tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4194614867099099362018-05-05T09:23:52.997-07:00Blessed be the tie that binds us....cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-58731706057439198262018-05-05T09:23:00.002-07:002018-05-05T09:23:52.996-07:00Sticks with names....Oh my goodness.....what a week it's been!<br /><br />While Angie and Chase experienced Grand Cayman for the first time....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HwHAgYZdpws/Wu3J2BZptWI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/TMoS0F5oDzIcIzvpQJMWwAtbLQkpjIjZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5258.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HwHAgYZdpws/Wu3J2BZptWI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/TMoS0F5oDzIcIzvpQJMWwAtbLQkpjIjZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5258.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P7M94RL7Sc/Wu3J_ZwUURI/AAAAAAAAAtU/-nDBPM-97XAuT2GhAt2Vj8n7fvMc21jJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6876.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P7M94RL7Sc/Wu3J_ZwUURI/AAAAAAAAAtU/-nDBPM-97XAuT2GhAt2Vj8n7fvMc21jJwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6876.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Papa and I got to experience being parents again for a week =)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At first, that job was very daunting....for this 66 year old, it's really been a while since i've "Parented" - but we were both anxious to settle in and spend some one on one time with Addy and Hayden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvph9p8WAfo/Wu3KhAbNrOI/AAAAAAAAAtg/4WaBLkgR-_AokdFk3POQps4nkKt6HfhPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvph9p8WAfo/Wu3KhAbNrOI/AAAAAAAAAtg/4WaBLkgR-_AokdFk3POQps4nkKt6HfhPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every time we do this, i come away with an added sense of awe of Angie and Chase....and all that goes into raising these precious kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I headed to Frisco on Friday and left papa at the house. &nbsp;We had roof issues and he needed to be there. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;So it was just me and Hayden that Friday night.....Hayden had a baseball game on Saturday afternoon....they got slaughtered.....but it was a beautiful day and Kyle and i enjoyed watching them play. &nbsp;Not sure Hayden is really into the baseball thing....i think it's so hard for him. &nbsp;The problem he has with his leg hurting keeps him from really being able to dig in and run - and really get into the game. &nbsp;I don't think he loves it like his daddy did. &nbsp;He sure looks cute in that uniform though....SO reminds me of Chase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yvYWzx4ON0/Wu3P7kk7vnI/AAAAAAAAAuk/TatxgH7Wo8kO-6wtlsmBhWK-d8qwNOMYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yvYWzx4ON0/Wu3P7kk7vnI/AAAAAAAAAuk/TatxgH7Wo8kO-6wtlsmBhWK-d8qwNOMYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5261.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XT5fNUGtmqg/Wu3Wi0gv2gI/AAAAAAAAAvo/asj7Rfub7Jo6_P998FcWnJbkC1HVE4bWQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XT5fNUGtmqg/Wu3Wi0gv2gI/AAAAAAAAAvo/asj7Rfub7Jo6_P998FcWnJbkC1HVE4bWQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the game, i packed Hayden for overnight and we headed to Rockwall to spend Saturday night with Papa. &nbsp; We had fun watching movies - Paddington was his first choice and it was the cutest movie. &nbsp;Then we found another movie - the BFG - aka The Big Friendly Giant. &nbsp;Mimi found it and decided we would at least start it and see what it was like. &nbsp;Oh my goodness.....total boy movie. &nbsp;Lots of crude things in that movie - one of which - the green brew with the bubbles that go down instead of up. &nbsp;Think about it. &nbsp;When we drink something with bubbles - the bubbles that go UP - what does it do? &nbsp;It causes us to burp. &nbsp;Well, this giant has a green brew and the bubbles go down....and what happens with bubbles that go DOWN? &nbsp;LOTS of passing gas.....and that little boy.....he had us rewind that part and play it over and over. &nbsp;We laughed SO hard! &nbsp;When we got to Frisco, he had to pull up that movie and show Addy that part....and we had to rewind it again....THEN when momma and dada got back from Grand Cayman? I got a call when we got back home - face time - "Hey Mimi, you know what we forgot to show momma and dada? &nbsp;The DOGS!!! &nbsp;So as Hayden sat in Chase's lap and they fast forwarded to the "passing gas" part, i got to watch too, via Face time....and it made me giggle to see his dada chuckle at that part - AND then rewind it to see it again. &nbsp;That little boy is ALL boy and i guess with that reaction from his dada, it just goes to show that there's ALWAYS a little of the "boy" left - even in dadas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWot0R34SJY/Wu3NO1ep4lI/AAAAAAAAAt4/p3RNty_agxMF6A4LzJMKSscztxIVbHqUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWot0R34SJY/Wu3NO1ep4lI/AAAAAAAAAt4/p3RNty_agxMF6A4LzJMKSscztxIVbHqUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5270.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While still in Rockwall, we had lots of walks and collected LOTS of sticks. &nbsp;This little boy loves sticks.....he has a pile at our house - AND an even bigger pile at his house in Frisco. &nbsp;He names each stick and can tell you exactly where he got it. &nbsp;The sticks become weapons and each one has a special property about it that makes it special. &nbsp;How i loved having time to hear the stories....and the long walks we had in our neighborhood.....each time he would "protect" me while i ran to the supply huts (mailboxes) for more supplies. &nbsp;I was always the keeper of the new sticks he found along the way too. &nbsp;And OH we found some good ones! &nbsp;I sure hope he will always remember fondly the walks and talks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On to Frisco - excited to get there and get to spend some time with Addy too. &nbsp;So we bundled up Sammy and we headed to Frisco. &nbsp;I often wonder what goes through Sammy's mind when we go back to the Frisco house. &nbsp;He seems to fall right back into life there - just like he never left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpDNYeGfg48/Wu3OrAm4UgI/AAAAAAAAAuE/1SkO84T4YQckEkSGpB9Jzjc3uaX_hISWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpDNYeGfg48/Wu3OrAm4UgI/AAAAAAAAAuE/1SkO84T4YQckEkSGpB9Jzjc3uaX_hISWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qWZtuqfl30/Wu3OtYBh2SI/AAAAAAAAAuI/zsJz6HaQ3SErBIio59pMPwk3UWBKk8UwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qWZtuqfl30/Wu3OtYBh2SI/AAAAAAAAAuI/zsJz6HaQ3SErBIio59pMPwk3UWBKk8UwgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5402.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DztRgdMGqG4/Wu3OxixpQfI/AAAAAAAAAuM/ZA6UUg6-3XUdvfMn-y8o-B1aFm7JmeswwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DztRgdMGqG4/Wu3OxixpQfI/AAAAAAAAAuM/ZA6UUg6-3XUdvfMn-y8o-B1aFm7JmeswwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5313.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got all settled in and then the week started. &nbsp;Getting baths each night, hair washed, books read, TRYING to get him to bed on time - up early, lunches made, breakfast fed, morning hair "tamed", dressed and school ready by 7:20 - Mornings are crazy but we did a pretty good job i think! &nbsp;Each day we were on time (thankful for Papa's taxi service to school!) On Monday we picked Hayden up and then on to get Addy. &nbsp;Hayden couldn't wait to see his sissy - he waited on the hill for her...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSkCI4OhJhM/Wu3SqBaijSI/AAAAAAAAAu8/bc87Cp4UefAyRm3wEgNaeAYv6jc5gDvAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSkCI4OhJhM/Wu3SqBaijSI/AAAAAAAAAu8/bc87Cp4UefAyRm3wEgNaeAYv6jc5gDvAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I see her Mimi! &nbsp;Here she comes!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They have the sweetest relationship.....they fight like crazy but love just as much. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so good to spend time with Addyboo.....that first night i made lasagna, salad and garlic bread....knowing it was one of her favs. &nbsp;She's so quiet....getting moments to have one one one talks with her is rare, but i so love that time. &nbsp;She has the SWEETEST heart....and she is always saying "thank you Mimi". &nbsp;This morning a picture popped up on my FB page.....momma and daddy were at our house and holding Addison....she must of been about 3 months old. &nbsp;My momma was grinning from ear to ear seeing her - it sure brought back the sweetest memories! &nbsp;We got to keep Addy often when she was little - as both Farrah and Chase traveled quite a bit. &nbsp;Oh those times....i look back at those pictures of that time often.....and just grab on to those memories of that precious baby girl. &nbsp;She's all grown up now! &nbsp;Quiet, respectful, beautiful, kind, funny - just so blessed by the gift of Addison Lane Corley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That first Monday night, Addy had Young Life - and they had something called "color wars" - as she walked out the door with papa to take her, i had no idea what "color war" was.....and then she came home hours later....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTpVb2yAebk/Wu3UmgTWInI/AAAAAAAAAvI/YbPnhyKpMDoF0rCPorvRUvXsK43rEE_UwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTpVb2yAebk/Wu3UmgTWInI/AAAAAAAAAvI/YbPnhyKpMDoF0rCPorvRUvXsK43rEE_UwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0abkatiBZVs/Wu3Us3_HmiI/AAAAAAAAAvM/z-L_T3ZiUVMkAvuq0p1pvAozyFi6IGeYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0abkatiBZVs/Wu3Us3_HmiI/AAAAAAAAAvM/z-L_T3ZiUVMkAvuq0p1pvAozyFi6IGeYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GREEN from top to bottom! &nbsp;She had paint from head to toe....and her SHOES.....oh my gosh, her SHOES. &nbsp;BRAND NEW SHOES! &nbsp;Covered in green paint! &nbsp;I thought i would never ever get them clean and i pictured a green Addy headed to school on Tuesday. &nbsp;Up she went to shower and she came down clean as could be. &nbsp;I sprayed the shoes - every inch of them - with spray wash and tossed them in the washer. &nbsp;To my surprise, they came completely clean. &nbsp;As we talked that night, i noticed a "green"tint on her neck. &nbsp;Sure enough....paint still there. &nbsp;It came off with a little scrubbing. &nbsp;But then as she walked out the door the next morning - down the front steps as papa was taking them to school - i see dark green on her heels......i mentioned it, but she said she scrubbed it hard and it wouldn't come off. &nbsp;I think it's still there =)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The breakfast casserole was a hit....with Addy AND with Hayden. &nbsp;I actually had to make two while there. &nbsp;I cooked most every night - and enjoyed it so much in that brand new kitchen of Angie and Chase's. &nbsp;Goodness, it's a chef's dream. &nbsp;(If i could only quit going to the pantry to throw trash away!). &nbsp;Addy and i played Rummikube - Kyle joined us and beat the socks off of us that last Friday night. &nbsp;Was so nice though, playing on the patio....beautiful weather - sweet time. &nbsp;So during our stay, lots of "Henry Danger" and "Kid Danger" - snakes Hayden wanted to keep - even though it was dead....trampoline time and "stick" shows - teaching Mimi the "floss" -&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JznYiLjdV3E/Wu3X589LzJI/AAAAAAAAAv8/7SHZ0u0yleoBUwzZsC7swi8bNLn3qeXLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5389.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JznYiLjdV3E/Wu3X589LzJI/AAAAAAAAAv8/7SHZ0u0yleoBUwzZsC7swi8bNLn3qeXLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5389.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayjjX4GdW_Y/Wu3X7m2WRjI/AAAAAAAAAwA/a72EBr1grvwR7yhVSS_leOeovSDYATyjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayjjX4GdW_Y/Wu3X7m2WRjI/AAAAAAAAAwA/a72EBr1grvwR7yhVSS_leOeovSDYATyjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ClP_vFSaXtM/Wu3X_BPRw_I/AAAAAAAAAwE/Tl3zmVSMkSo83KjpTT35wsOZVnctT7WIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ClP_vFSaXtM/Wu3X_BPRw_I/AAAAAAAAAwE/Tl3zmVSMkSo83KjpTT35wsOZVnctT7WIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiC-65QuwZ8/Wu3YNY2p-WI/AAAAAAAAAwM/BqYSk4kt2BYUKvBA8M4QiXH3HFcJYOypgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiC-65QuwZ8/Wu3YNY2p-WI/AAAAAAAAAwM/BqYSk4kt2BYUKvBA8M4QiXH3HFcJYOypgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coke floats, pizza on Friday night.....bedtime stories (and i can't BELIEVE how well this little boy reads! Even the BIG words!) nighttime prayers, walking Sammy, hearing short clips of Addy's day and then long details of Hayden's day....that little boy has so much to share! - checking on the birds every morning and every night.....secret hiding places....playing "hide and treat".....movies and green bubbles that go down.....artwork that amazes me from a boy who is 7.....praying dogs and our brown eyed girl - just being with her.....laundry and lunches and bedtimes and schoolwork, stories, movies, and time- SWEET TIME - this week was special and i am so thankful for the time spent with these two. &nbsp;Love them more than life.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">blessed by the gift of them. &nbsp;Hoping for times like this with Avery, Hay, Aud, Todd and Matthew too. My grandchildren and my great grandchildren are gifts from God. &nbsp;I am so very thankful for each one! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JN0vYaM7Xjo/Wu3aThevCkI/AAAAAAAAAwc/VbclXUWEgNsJMg9KrfNTX1__44HZ5KcFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JN0vYaM7Xjo/Wu3aThevCkI/AAAAAAAAAwc/VbclXUWEgNsJMg9KrfNTX1__44HZ5KcFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BREATHING in......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-71036477347242686732018-04-02T05:37:00.001-07:002018-04-02T05:37:48.902-07:00Easter in Frisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIUmUW7uSEw/WsIW8gpZ3BI/AAAAAAAAAqk/tD21Nt4Y6C80VuOyr9hUYiddq2dZ8p2KQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIUmUW7uSEw/WsIW8gpZ3BI/AAAAAAAAAqk/tD21Nt4Y6C80VuOyr9hUYiddq2dZ8p2KQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4846.JPG" /></a></div>Easter - this year we went to Frisco - we missed our bunch from KC.....but we gathered together at Chase and Angie's for egg hunts, Texas Hold Em, &nbsp;the BEST pulled pork tacos and cakes as big as Texas. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HaFzs3yfXTI/WsIZdX9FU4I/AAAAAAAAAqw/PSL2_kHri8gG7ONIWqRzQydWorwG7e2nwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HaFzs3yfXTI/WsIZdX9FU4I/AAAAAAAAAqw/PSL2_kHri8gG7ONIWqRzQydWorwG7e2nwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4866.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />I love my family so much. I just wish we were closer - not necessarily in location, but in our hearts. <br /><br />A mix up the night before had Shawn and Avery sitting at the back of the church during the entire service - me holding seats for them and for Michael - and Michael was at home waiting on Shawn and Avery. &nbsp;It was a wonderful service, but i don't think i fully connected to it because i was worried about where everyone was. &nbsp;Crazy miscommunication. &nbsp;Afterwards, we went to a little cafe in Richardson and had dinner - listened to live music, than back to Shawn and Avery's to learn how to play Texas Hold Em. &nbsp;Fun night even though it had a crazy beginning.<br /><br />Then on Easter Sunday, we headed to Frisco about 2 - We had Chase's wonderful pulled pork tacos, cilantro lime rice (Angie has perfected that recipe to a T!) and i took layered dip and another appetizer. &nbsp;Their new kitchen is just beautiful and a perfect place for entertaining. &nbsp;I hope my days of hosting aren't over. &nbsp;This little house will hold us all. &nbsp;I just know how much the Frisco bunch hates driving here. &nbsp;It IS such a long way. <br /><br />The egg hunt was a success....even the big girls participated.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWoL2gKj0j8/WsIZ1jAEOtI/AAAAAAAAArA/dNK0Uoabujgt9tQ3OvqxJQ20-c9A376SwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWoL2gKj0j8/WsIZ1jAEOtI/AAAAAAAAArA/dNK0Uoabujgt9tQ3OvqxJQ20-c9A376SwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4821.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wdBZYaJMxfk/WsIZ1uAxJxI/AAAAAAAAArE/orKwpVUWFOM5Jugz9vkG21kjVtNA-Yg-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wdBZYaJMxfk/WsIZ1uAxJxI/AAAAAAAAArE/orKwpVUWFOM5Jugz9vkG21kjVtNA-Yg-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEpeauriYPA/WsIZ1rm0lpI/AAAAAAAAArI/Nmz8bv-IotE2MEnJiayRYfz41hlEg5rGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEpeauriYPA/WsIZ1rm0lpI/AAAAAAAAArI/Nmz8bv-IotE2MEnJiayRYfz41hlEg5rGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4847.JPG" /></a></div><br />Creed came over to join in the hunt with Hayden. &nbsp;They are just like brothers. &nbsp;They love like brothers and they fight like brothers. &nbsp;Such a good relationship between the two and good for Addy. &nbsp;She got to have both of her brothers with her for a bit on Easter! &nbsp;What a love that Addy is.....so quiet...so soft spoken. &nbsp;She keeps lots inside but she loves deeply....love her so. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAtU6QV7IFE/WsIahPsz7YI/AAAAAAAAArc/_yaOMPskHcgcTC5m4orTifK7yC1A412OgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAtU6QV7IFE/WsIahPsz7YI/AAAAAAAAArc/_yaOMPskHcgcTC5m4orTifK7yC1A412OgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" /></a></div>Avery Grace was very quiet.....i sure do worry about that sweet one. &nbsp;She's SO sensitive and sometimes just so moody. &nbsp;I pray that her heart will soon know Jesus.....she's going to need Him as the years go by - the school she's in is SO liberal....and her mind is being filled with it all. &nbsp;Wish she could realize how much Jesus loves her and what He did for her. &nbsp;Goodness, i love that little girl. &nbsp;She looks so much like her momma. &nbsp;Makes me sad because she and Addy just don't seem to be on the same page anymore....but then none of us do. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6MsJ_XgMk8/WsIbSgswpNI/AAAAAAAAAro/wG4sDFkOdWMU3e3rp52ymOgiV9l-4thTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c6MsJ_XgMk8/WsIbSgswpNI/AAAAAAAAAro/wG4sDFkOdWMU3e3rp52ymOgiV9l-4thTgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;We used to talk - Angie and i - not much anymore. &nbsp;Just found out that they are testing our little Hayden for muscular dystrophy - my heart is hurting SO bad. &nbsp;Cannot imagine and have been praying SO hard for his leg to get better. &nbsp;I noticed this visit that the stiffness is so much worse. &nbsp;My prayer is that it's NOT MD and that they can find a diagnosis for it and get his leg better. &nbsp;Bless his punkin' heart he's got my heart BIG time....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ddwsze_Puc/WsIcmb4ntVI/AAAAAAAAAr8/_fDjrr-Em18mxibcpzqNsNZ1_xYZmIACACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ddwsze_Puc/WsIcmb4ntVI/AAAAAAAAAr8/_fDjrr-Em18mxibcpzqNsNZ1_xYZmIACACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vwb0l9h3fc/WsIcmcHKQBI/AAAAAAAAAsA/zJCBDMxIAKsNeS8rprvthd8om1g3iTLHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6081.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vwb0l9h3fc/WsIcmcHKQBI/AAAAAAAAAsA/zJCBDMxIAKsNeS8rprvthd8om1g3iTLHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6081.JPEG" /></a></div>Oh how i pray for this little one......i pray He will learn to love Jesus with all of his heart....early in his life - and walk the road that Jesus has carved out for him with such love....such boldness. &nbsp;He's such a precious boy.....love him so very much. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSrHKR3UlRw/WsIdblGPXdI/AAAAAAAAAsM/Vm29b93BL44HF9_9XM_vyq8G9upD6jGygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6113.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSrHKR3UlRw/WsIdblGPXdI/AAAAAAAAAsM/Vm29b93BL44HF9_9XM_vyq8G9upD6jGygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6113.JPEG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmuWgcSq6J4/WsIdk3AbI_I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/AwEjrZry-zgNTiWf8pE-OIB7u9kgzUTzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmuWgcSq6J4/WsIdk3AbI_I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/AwEjrZry-zgNTiWf8pE-OIB7u9kgzUTzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMHg4BseRo4/WsIdk6jSXSI/AAAAAAAAAsU/RIoCbjIVx34o9G48-GH_olbP8j6PmkL2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMHg4BseRo4/WsIdk6jSXSI/AAAAAAAAAsU/RIoCbjIVx34o9G48-GH_olbP8j6PmkL2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHKe_q3fvNg/WsIdk85wMmI/AAAAAAAAAsY/OkkXfDIarucjx0d3yzdG5mgLYbc8vRIRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHKe_q3fvNg/WsIdk85wMmI/AAAAAAAAAsY/OkkXfDIarucjx0d3yzdG5mgLYbc8vRIRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQAdEM67_rE/WsIdlY4xRcI/AAAAAAAAAsc/S-573eYj274F2lh3LIxDSlPqrMm1JVKXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6087.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQAdEM67_rE/WsIdlY4xRcI/AAAAAAAAAsc/S-573eYj274F2lh3LIxDSlPqrMm1JVKXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6087.JPEG" /></a></div>So glad we got to see Haley again. &nbsp;Oh my goodness, what a beautiful young woman she has become. &nbsp;Love this sweet girl. &nbsp;She's beautiful inside and out. &nbsp;She gave me the sweetest card with precious words from deep in her heart. &nbsp;She's such a love.<br /><br />It was a cold day today.....KC peeps even had snow and ice! &nbsp;Crazy weather for Easter! &nbsp;And then we sure got a surprise from our sweet Audrey Marie! &nbsp;Great grand number two is in the oven! &nbsp;Gosh, we were surprised! I was thinking last night - she's having her babies at the same age Mimi had the boys! <br /><br />It was a fun day.....i just wish sometimes we could all take our masks off and really lean into one another - i mean REALLY be open and just LOVE and truly enjoy one another. &nbsp;But there's so many masks....so many inner struggles between personalities. &nbsp;I wonder if every family is like this - or is it just us? <br /><br />I am not sure where things changed.....but they did.....and the biggest change is with Chase. &nbsp;I pray he's happy Lord. &nbsp;I pray he's filled to the brim with YOUR love and with a security in YOU.....in his family. &nbsp;I sometimes worry that he's got too much pressure on him....in his job. &nbsp;I just pray he's okay.....i don't really know him anymore.....but i love him SO very much and i pray Lord Jesus YOUR sweet Spirit filling him to the brim. &nbsp;I pray for his health....the hurting in his leg....i pray YOUR healing hand on him. &nbsp;I am so glad Shawn and Chase seem to be getting closer. &nbsp;I worry about Shawn when we are gone.....being alone. &nbsp;I pray their relationship continues to grow closer and that they will always have each other.<br /><br />Don't know why things changed or when - for a year or two, things just aren't right.....but i will just keep praying that our family will heal....that the chips on the shoulders will fall away and that the egg shells i walk on will leave. &nbsp;My heart breaks.....but God You are the healer of relationships. &nbsp;You are the one that knits our hearts together. &nbsp;We've come apart Lord.....i pray Your hands gently stitching our hearts and lives back to what you intended them to be. <br /><br /><br />cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-40505793419542612212018-01-14T16:27:00.000-08:002018-01-14T16:27:11.676-08:00two more little things.....i just remembered two more little things that i want to remember....<br /><br />Shawn was home from bible school....they made these little churches out of cardboard and he said it was for his offering - then he asked me what offering was. I tried to explain how we give money to God through the church.....and how that money goes from the church to help others. We have talked many times about God and heaven and Jesus - and after my explanation, he goes back into his room very satisfied with the answer. In just a bit, he comes back in the living room with his little church in his hands.....and he tells me "momma, he dropped it!" - i said "What?" and he tells me again, "He DROPPED it!" I notice that his little church has pennies in it.....and then i realize what he's done. He went into his room, put the pennies into his little cardboard church and he held it up to heaven.....he was giving HIS money to God through his little church....and he let go! Oh to have the faith of a child! <br /><br />Another time i was picking up glasses at an optical place.....i had three year old Shawn with me and he was cute as cute could be.....and never met a stranger. As we walked in, a lady waiting too struck up a conversation with him.....he just talked away....well, he kept talking....and she began to write in her checkbook and wasn't giving Shawn the attention he was so wanting....so he got up on the couch beside her....he inched as close to her as he could and he looked up at her and said "just fine.....and how are you?" - <br /><br /><br /><br />cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-6429307115342701282018-01-14T08:01:00.000-08:002018-01-14T15:40:28.237-08:00BREATHE2018 - Christmas Tree is down and neatly put away.....the house looks bare without all the decorations - a new year....new opportunities.....new word. &nbsp;BREATHE.<br /><br />My small bible study group has decided to choose a word to focus on in 2018. &nbsp;It's something Marsha, our leader, has done for years now. &nbsp;I think this is a good idea! &nbsp;Since starting this bible Study.....Since i saw you last (aka SISYL) i have grown leaps and bounds in my relationship with the Lord. &nbsp;I struggled with choosing my word. &nbsp;I mean this is a word for the entire year. &nbsp;I even downloaded a book on choosing my word. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RbiuIREra8/Wlt0x2Y5eVI/AAAAAAAAApw/aCERnAyH5e0o9OmtsruroqO_UrTpSrwKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RbiuIREra8/Wlt0x2Y5eVI/AAAAAAAAApw/aCERnAyH5e0o9OmtsruroqO_UrTpSrwKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4206.JPG" /></a></div>The word i kept coming back to - less - less of me, less chaos, less busy, less technology, less insecurity, less negativity - but then i couldn't have less without another word....more....more of HIM, more quiet, more one on one relationships, more patience, more confidence in being the daughter of a KING! &nbsp;So then i ran across the word "Breathe" - and i thought about it.....breathing in all the gifts God offers me....breathing in HIM - through study and prayer and just talking with Him as my day progresses.....Breathing in serenity, gentleness....all those fruits of HIS Spirit....and exhale....just letting all the crummy stuff out of my body....out of my life. &nbsp;So my word for 2018 is BREATHE.....i hope i can actually focus on this word and be reminded when i take that deep breath that i am HIS daughter and i can be more and more like Him as i breath in big huge breaths of all He is and all He has for me in the life - and the next. &nbsp;The picture? &nbsp;This is Lake Moraine.....the most beautiful place i have ever seen - It was on our trip to Canada - a trip i have longed to share with Michael since before we were married.....it's close to one of my favorite cities ever....Banff - but this place....this place must be like heaven. &nbsp;i literally stood in awe and cried as i took in the beauty, the smells, the experience. &nbsp;BREATHE in cindy.....BREATHE in His goodness and grace. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_njFAIfCUmM/Wlt21VZtQXI/AAAAAAAAAp8/quSltQGre60chMPznU6FXV_CtFjoxLAsQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2966.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_njFAIfCUmM/Wlt21VZtQXI/AAAAAAAAAp8/quSltQGre60chMPznU6FXV_CtFjoxLAsQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2966.PNG" /></a></div>This is our little group.....growing together in Christ....being there for one another through thick and thin. &nbsp;Such a blessing this group....such a gift.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJcyEcsqLPU/Wlt3KXrlIKI/AAAAAAAAAqA/JmBPTkNdKoYLgj6pX-Cm3Ip8HDcriB7NgCLcBGAs/s1600/13626430_10209724084401014_784773935598166246_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="540" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJcyEcsqLPU/Wlt3KXrlIKI/AAAAAAAAAqA/JmBPTkNdKoYLgj6pX-Cm3Ip8HDcriB7NgCLcBGAs/s320/13626430_10209724084401014_784773935598166246_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then there's this man.....oh the places we will go. &nbsp;I hope. &nbsp;I pray. &nbsp;I pray that in this 2018, Michael and i will grow closer and closer as we deepen our relationship with our Savior. &nbsp;We've been through a lot.....45 years this coming March. &nbsp;Most happy times, but some really tough times too. &nbsp;I pray that this coming year will be a healthy year for us.....a year of exploring, growing, BREATHING in God's sweetness, together as ONE.<br /><br />This year i pray our family can grow some roots down deep. &nbsp;For the past year or so....maybe longer....changes have taken place in the relationships within our family. &nbsp;Some good and some i am not crazy about at all. &nbsp;I will continue to pray and i just hope in 2018, the air can be cleared and our hearts can be drawn together and roots be deepened. &nbsp;BREATHE......EXHALE.....and pray. &nbsp;Prayer changes things. &nbsp;This is my prayer for 2018....that our family can come together, face to face, much more often....that the elephant in the room - well, God i pray You just send him away forever - and that we can truly appreciate the gift we have in each other, in this precious gift of each other. &nbsp;Lord heal my heart....it's broken into a million pieces. <br /><br />So BREATHE Cindy....BREATHE in big huge breaths of God....of His mercy and grace.....of all the gifts He gives....EXHALE the negative, the insecurities, the hurt....and oh Lord it's so hard for me sometimes. &nbsp;I can't do it....it has to be YOU. &nbsp;Please be my strength....be my portion Lord. &nbsp;YOU are enough....YOU are everything to me. &nbsp;I love You SO much....i need You SO much....my praise to YOU dear Lord. <br /><br />1 John 3:17-18 Help me be a blessing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-89740388098888630112017-11-23T09:57:00.000-08:002017-11-23T09:57:32.060-08:00This day....Thanksgiving Day 2017. &nbsp;It hasn't been the best one - Michael is sick and it's sure been a long haul. &nbsp;We were really looking forward to a little getaway - just the two of us - to Branson MO. &nbsp;We had a three night stay already paid for in the most beautiful place - Chateau on the Lake - and it was over the top beautiful with a brook running through the entire place - decorated for Christmas like crazy....luxury hotel, 5 star. &nbsp;We broke up the drive there by going to see Annette and Bill and spending the night with them in Pine Ridge. &nbsp;We had a great visit and then off for the 4 hour drive to Branson. &nbsp;We got there late afternoon, showered, dressed and went down to the bar for wine - ended up ordering dinner there because it was just so peaceful and beautiful. &nbsp;About 1:30 in the morning, Michael woke up sick....really sick. &nbsp;His first words to me "Please don't be mad at me" - i couldn't understand why in the world? &nbsp;He said "I'm Sick!" - i know he must feel like every vacation, he comes down sick - but it's not his fault! &nbsp;Well, sick went to worse and worse. &nbsp;He stayed in the room the entire stay - and we were both hoping he would get over it. &nbsp;In the deep part of my heart though, i was so afraid it wasn't just a bug....i didn't get it and i totally should have with shared drinks, kisses and all....but as i was packing the car to leave, he asked me to ask about a Care Now close by....long story short, we ended up in the ER and admitted to the hospital. &nbsp;He had a small bowel blockage. &nbsp;We were there for 3 nights and then the LONG drive home. &nbsp;That was 4 days ago....and he's still so sick. &nbsp;We can't see a doc for a week.....i just don't know if we can wait that long. &nbsp;He's so sick.<br /><br />But this day....we are headed to Frisco shortly to spend it with our precious family. &nbsp;I guess i am getting old....but "things" just aren't important anymore.....the commercialization of Christmas - ALREADY - can you say even in SEPTEMBER? - is really making me sick. &nbsp;That seems to be all it is now. &nbsp;People running crazy, buying buying buying.....forgetting all about the sweet baby we celebrate. &nbsp;This day.....this day i am SO thankful for my family. &nbsp;Relationships are what matters most. First of all, that relationship we have with Christ.....i pray that so hard for everyone in my family....hold Him close you guys.....it's what we are made for! &nbsp;Second my relationship with my sweet hubby and my family.....and my friends. &nbsp;God i thank You this day ....and always....for the precious family you put me in.....and since then the ones You have placed in my life. &nbsp;Oh how i would love to go back with a do-over....knowing what i know now. &nbsp;Goodness, i wasted time. &nbsp;Goodness, i missed moments and opportunities. &nbsp;The fast pace of life, the yearnings for "things" - robbed me of so much. &nbsp;This day i purpose to live and lean into the moment.....thankful for every blessed day You give me. &nbsp;I purpose to appreciate EACH one in my family and my friends too Lord....realizing, that each one is a gift from YOU. &nbsp;Thank You Lord for my Michael....i pray so hard Lord Jesus that You will place Your mighty healing hands on him and heal his body now. &nbsp;It is the desire of my heart Lord.<br /><br />Thank You Jesus....for this day. &nbsp;Thank You for calling my name and keeping me close. &nbsp;You are my amazing Father.....creator of my heart - Author of my story. &nbsp;Help me magnify You with all i have and all i am Lord. &nbsp;I love You.cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-73897568188798439302017-05-25T16:26:00.001-07:002017-05-25T16:26:16.185-07:00just checking in....Haven't written in a while....just checking in. &nbsp;It's been a whirlwind few months! &nbsp;Totally gutted the kitchen and did all new.....also new paint and tall baseboards, crown in the living, dining, hallway, sunroom. &nbsp;Looks really good and feel SO good. &nbsp;Heath and Fox Chase were really show places.....and we bought them mostly for the family - the kids. &nbsp;Had to have a pool.....lots of big show. &nbsp;With both the kids having pools now - our house wasn't the draw it used to be. &nbsp;With their busy schedules and sports and work etc, coming to spend weekends had kinda come to an end too. &nbsp;So this house is a HOME. &nbsp;No pool, just comfortable and the VIEW.....the VIEW. &nbsp;LOVE LOVE LOVE the lake view.....and LOVE LOVE LOVE this neighborhood. &nbsp;The Gillilands, across the alley, such a sweet surprise. &nbsp;New friends. &nbsp;We take turns having each other over for dinner - then there's the "Lane" thing going on.....just a sweet surprise! &nbsp;Thank you Lord.....sweetest gifts you give us and this home is one of them. &nbsp;Also, the view - thank you for that view. &nbsp;It reminds me each and every day of Your majesty. <br /><br />The kids are doing SO good....their careers are taking off like gang busters. &nbsp;I miss them though. &nbsp;Because of all the work, the many hats they wear - we don't see them often. &nbsp;Makes me so sad. &nbsp;But i remember.....i remember those days and just how busy they are. &nbsp;I totally understand....just trying now to find a way to get us all under one roof at least a couple of times a month. &nbsp;I think they are all in....just hope we can make it happen now. <br /><br />School is almost out. &nbsp;Haley is already home and now back in Oklahoma for the summer....working and taking classes. &nbsp;Wishing i had contacted her sooner.....wanted to take her shopping for her new place. &nbsp;Hopefully she will be home soon for a visit and we can go.....a mini "Camp Mimi". &nbsp;Addy and Avery are ready for summer. &nbsp;Addy was invited to play in a tourney in Florida in a couple of weeks.....with a team she's hoping to join. &nbsp;Such a great opportunity! &nbsp;She's so talented....has no idea of just how talented she is. &nbsp;Praying for her confidence. &nbsp;Love that she's so humble.....but praying she will be stronger and more confident as she learns more and more from the new coaching. &nbsp;Avery is working so hard on art work.....getting ready for Booker T next year. &nbsp;So proud of her for getting in. &nbsp;God has really gifted that sweet girl. &nbsp;Can't wait to see what plans He has for her. &nbsp;I pray so hard her heart will soften toward Him - that she will come to know PERSONALLY His saving grace. &nbsp;Hayden.....oh my goodness, that sweet boy. &nbsp;He's done really SO well in school....he's learned so much. &nbsp;His teacher was just perfect. &nbsp;He played baseball again......coach pitch. &nbsp;Cannot believe how much better he did this past season. &nbsp;Angie is taking him to a chiropractor and it's helping him - his gait when he runs has improved tons. &nbsp;He's hitting the ball well too. &nbsp;Such a cutie pie. &nbsp;Audrey and Todd.....doing GREAT. &nbsp;Todd has started a new business with a friend and they are doing great. &nbsp;Audrey is the best little momma ever. &nbsp;That little boy has turned her heart upside down and i just see such a healing in Audrey. &nbsp;I see REAL JOY, i HEAR REAL JOY......just such a turnaround for Audie and answered prayer for her sweet life. &nbsp;Hopefully we will have a wedding in the near future. &nbsp;They seem to be so happy. &nbsp;And then there's Matthew.....oh my gosh, that boy melts my heart. &nbsp;He's is just adorable.....and he can say "Mimi" and Papa" - and just melts me on the spot. &nbsp;He's so smart....so happy.....soooooo precious. &nbsp;Can't wait to see what God has planned for that sweet one's life! <br /><br />Just blessed. &nbsp;So much. &nbsp;Just got through with a bible study (and oh how i love my bible study group!) &nbsp;on 1,000 gifts.....and writing down gifts each day to bring them to the forefront.....NAMING each gift helps me live more thankfully.....not taking for granted the gifts God gives me. &nbsp;This sweet family of mine? &nbsp;Just the most precious gift. &nbsp;My heart is overflowing. <br /><br />Thank you Lord....thank You for giving me my sweet husbands.....then the most amazing gift of our boys.....and then sending Angie and the girls.....then our sweet Hayden Michael.....then Todd and Matthew...God.....these gifts.....my heart....my loves.....and i thank You!! &nbsp;I pray your blessings on each and every one.....and I ask Lord Jesus that you will fill them full of Your Holy Spirit and that each one will accept Your saving grace. &nbsp;I pray for us all to know and love You more and more.<br /><br />Your gifts are so precious!cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-7713362179818129592016-08-09T18:23:00.000-07:002016-08-09T18:23:07.296-07:00Camp Mimi.....oh my goodness, how precious this time with my loves. &nbsp;With Hay - it's old movies and shopping and food that she loves (which usually means Chipotle). &nbsp;Such a sweet time with her and i am so so glad she loves to come and spend time with us. &nbsp;The funny.....she was trying on clothes at a boutique on the square.....she always comes out and models for me. &nbsp;She comes out in the darling little top - and says to me "Isn't this just so cute Mimi? &nbsp;But what do you think i do with THIS?" and she holds out this huge bunch of material to the side. &nbsp;It's very odd looking.....she says "do you think i tie this?" - just about that time a salesgirl comes by and Hay asks her - "this is so cute, but what do you do with this?" - the girl smiles a funny little smile and tells Hay "well, it's suppose to be a romper" - Hay had both of her legs in ONE leg of the romper.....she thought it was a top =) &nbsp;We laughed so hard. &nbsp;We bought the romper.....and i must say, it looks precious on her! <br /><br />Then there's Camp Mimi with Avery and Addy. &nbsp;I so love the way they get along.....like best friends. &nbsp;We had a great time....crafts, yummy foods they love to make videos. &nbsp;Late night movies - but this time they had to have "Camp Papa" for a few hours on Monday night.....as i went to Becky's for the final Bachelorette. &nbsp;When i came home, they were all piled on the sofa with Papa, watching scary movies. &nbsp;We painted crosses....and they did so good. &nbsp;We did a little shopping too but both are quite picky. &nbsp;No matter what we do, i always love time with Addy and Avery. &nbsp;They are so precious in our lives. <br /><br />Finally, Camp Mimi with Hayden....oh my....first through the door and he's looking for his "prize" - i always put a prize on top of his sleeping bag for him to find as he walks in. &nbsp;It's a tradition.....and he knows to look for it. &nbsp;This time it was construction trucks and a book.....he loved it. &nbsp;We watched movies and stayed up late.....then endless hours of a cartoon he had never seen before - something i watched as a child...."Casper the friendly ghost" - i had to BEG him to watch something else...."But Mimi, i LOVE this" - we are moving....sold the couches and love seat - Mimi's usual bed for Camp Mimi when Hayden comes.....i told him we probably would need to sleep in the bedroom that night but he said "oh mimi, i LOVE my "camp" - (that's pillows and blankets all made into a soft little bed for him" - so i pushed two chairs together and we made it work. &nbsp;He's so sweet....as he's falling asleep, he puts his arms around me and holds me tight....what a little love. &nbsp;He sat in the chair with papa too....and put his arm around his neck and held him as they watched tv. &nbsp;Such a sweetie. &nbsp;We had to have his fav....beans and corn on the cob. &nbsp;We did crafts for the first time and he loved it....we decorated a sleep shirt - he LOVES sleep shirts. &nbsp;Just a precious time with our little man. &nbsp;When told he was spending two nights his said "that means i get to spend THREE days!!!"<br /><br />Love that my grands love to spend time with us. &nbsp;It's a gift for me....for us. &nbsp;We are truly blessed.....sweetest love....sweetest kids. cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-87859158245907978752016-04-06T18:57:00.003-07:002016-04-06T19:00:36.252-07:00and i thought of even more....Leo....that concert - we laughed so hard they almost threw us out....and then America....oh my.....the night before Shawn was born and on the first few rows..... SO pregnant.....so many concerts over the years.....CSN - our fav...the concert in Victoria......Neil Young....Dave Matthews......Sting.....Doobie Brothers.....Creedance.....oh and the night we went to see Shawn Phillips......such a throw back! &nbsp;So many hours listening to that music....Babies conceived to that music.....Always we have loved the SOUND.....coffee house in the car.....your phone tuned to the Neil Young station as we showered.....the CSN on nights of love.....oh and we can't forget the Celtic music....how you love it, and i do too just because you do. &nbsp;Fairport Convention.....Roberta Flack.....America.....CSNY - our beginning.....our LOVE. &nbsp;Did i mention the night you met my daddy and Nelda had to drive. &nbsp;The first kiss at Vanderbilt.....the night i fell totally and madly in love with you. &nbsp;It was that first kiss.....white t-shirt and jeans and YOU.....wonderful beautiful you.....i never doubted one minute that God sent you to me. &nbsp;Just memories sweet michael of mine......so many memories. &nbsp;So much love. &nbsp;You are so precious in my life.cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-3598682613149540852016-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:002018-01-14T16:15:14.498-08:00I thought of more.....streaking.....7 months pregnant - What were we thinking? &nbsp;locking myself out of our first apartment - saving your parking place. &nbsp;My first "surprise" for you....that pecan pie that i covered in a cloth....only to be revealed and you laughed so hard.....the crust as big as Texas......You, hiding your head among the canisters....me in the kitchen not noticing for the longest time.....the turkey that was cooked with the plastic in the middle....you getting up from the table - throwing up - and i think of all the meals you ate....with a smile on your face....probably facing food poisoning! &nbsp;Scaring the hiccups out of you.....oh my gosh, the night in the bus.... remember? &nbsp;We laughed SO hard because we were stuck ....i loved that van. &nbsp;Remember the time i nearly crashed it into the hamburger place? &nbsp;You were placing your order and then i hit the gas....not paying much attention to the clutch....remember the time i just KNEW something had happened.....9 months pregnant with a 10 lb 7 oz baby boy and i ran up the hill for you because you had had a wreck.....oh my gosh, my heart just went into overdrive......The night you met my dad for the first time....and Nelda had to drive....the pineapple i sent home with you from their trip in Hawaii....oh gosh, the night you walked me to the door at Jim Miller and you asked me to marry you? &nbsp;5 days after we met? &nbsp;I knew....i KNEW Michael Lane Corley......i knew you were the one God made just for me. &nbsp;Remember at breakfast, i was so scared what my parents would think....and at breakfast my momma said "you and Michael are going to get married, aren't you?" - that was GOD........The beautiful places we have seen together.....Banff, finally.....Italy, France, Spain....Oh my goodness, the trips we have made. &nbsp;Such gifts......I have loved you more than you will ever know Michael Lane Corley. &nbsp;I have loved cooking special things just to have you give me that "thumbs up" - I have loved loving you.....i have loved being your "woman child" - i have loved every moment of every day and i pray there will be many more. &nbsp;You are SO precious in my life.....God just gave me the sweetest gift in YOU. &nbsp;When we go to bed at night....and we say "i love you" - it means the word to me Michael....it's so much more than words.....it's a LIFE...shared and loved......you are most precious in my life sweet man......God's gift! cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-3738675168011150112016-04-06T17:24:00.002-07:002016-04-06T17:24:23.309-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-sJ-y17l04/VwWU7VXSB4I/AAAAAAAAAnc/LdOZpdTZ-is463_vj3TzL9_B861ywrELw/s1600/IMG_4771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-sJ-y17l04/VwWU7VXSB4I/AAAAAAAAAnc/LdOZpdTZ-is463_vj3TzL9_B861ywrELw/s320/IMG_4771.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>This man.....what can i say? &nbsp;43 years and a few months ago (December 16th, 1972) i met him. &nbsp;Really and truly i met him the summer before.....but he was so shy - we didn't talk much. &nbsp;i laced us his boots though =) &nbsp;But on December 16th, 1972, my life changed. &nbsp;God brought our paths together and i can never thank God enough for the gift of Michael Lane Corley. &nbsp;Little did we know 43 years all that God had in store for us. &nbsp;Michael, you know me better than ANYone in this whole wide world.....you know my fears, you know my joys....you know my hurts and you know my favorite things.....you know me better than anyone - and the miracle of that is that you still love me. &nbsp;You have seen me at my best....and you have seen me at my all time very worst....but through it all, you continue to love your "woman child". &nbsp;I can never tell you how much i love you.....it just can't be explained in words. &nbsp;You are such a precious gift to me and i thank God often for the gift of you. &nbsp;We have been through so much.....early marriage - the fights........the bear skin rugs....the water beds.....the cooking disasters....the first apartment....the first Christmas there.....getting pregnant.....all the stuff that goes with that first pregnancy....having you order shrimp when you were through and i was not....but too embarrassed to order for myself =) &nbsp;The birth of Shawn.....that entire day of labor.....the minute we became parents....the joy - the fear.....we were babies having a baby (but somehow, some way we did great....because Shawn...and Chase....are precious men).....late night trips to Braum's for german chocolate shakes after, well, you know.....and Shawn, in my lap, dipping his face into the shake....and remember the night we heard him crying and we went in and he had thrown up in his bed and i guess his face was planted in it - because when we ran into the room, he raised his little head and all we could see - two eyes staring at us through the throw up. &nbsp;I just lot all the baby weight from Shawn and we found out we were pregnant with Chase.....not planned, but the sweetest surprise and the most precious joy in our lives. &nbsp;Our first home.....moving into that apartment for a short time.....then our first home. &nbsp;The night i woke you up at midnight, shaking for all i was worth, because my water broke - and then we laughed uncontrollably. &nbsp;Dropping Shawn at my parents and the rush to the hospital....barely in time to see Chase come into this world. &nbsp;Then there was that....Chase crying constantly.....3 days and nights in Children's medical....you at Roy's finding exactly what we needed to help his pain.....the miracle change in Chase. &nbsp;Raising our boys....all that goes with that. &nbsp;Highs and lows....joys and sorrows....fears and tears....precious moments with our boys.....Padre Island and finding out we had 3 more hours in that small van with 9 people! &nbsp;Christmas - pee wee football.....baseball.....team mom and you the video and picture guy.....Changing from banking to video.....all the weddings.....raising teenagers.....scary times.....worrisome times....but so much fun watching them play sports. &nbsp;Weddings, grandchildren....oh gosh, remember the time we brought daddy home from the hospital....it was mother's day....i can't remember why he was there, but we came home and told the boys "we will just celebrate another time" - and Chase saying no way....they were coming to mom and dad's.....And they gave us that book with "firsts" Do you remember the first time you drove a car....do you remember the first time you heard the Beatles....do you remember the first time (with the sonogram picture) became grandparents! &nbsp;Oh my gosh, we all hooted and hollered! &nbsp;Such a sweet surprise on mother's day. &nbsp;The birth of Addison Lane...oh my gosh, i will never forget holding her for the first time and she looked at me and goodness.....i melted. &nbsp;The times we kept her when they had to travel....4 months old and they told us "she will wake up for a bottle....but just be so quiet....DONT look at her or talk to her ....heat the bottle and she will go right back to sleep....Oh my goodness, that precious baby girl did wake up and those big eyes stared at me. It was all i could do not to talk and play with her.....and then remember.....we were shopping with Dian and Ed - i think we were in Crate and Barrel.....and my phone rang. &nbsp;It was Debbie. &nbsp;She tells me she "thinks i might be pregnant" - i am like "What do you mean you THINK????" and she tells me the tests came back positive....i remember thinking to myself that is something a daughter needs to tell her parents personally.....so i try so hard to contain my joy and i hand the phone to Dian.....she squeals when she hears and then we tell you and Ed and all four of us jump up and down.....no telling WHAT the people in the store thought.....Then the sweet birth of Avery Grace....such a little joy. &nbsp;I remember when she was tiny.....brand new.....and Deb and Shawn asked us not to hold her a LOT.....that they wanted Avery to be able to be "put down" at times.....well, one night we were all there and they put Avery down for the night.....and she was really squirming in the bed and making little sounds that Dian and i thought might need to be addressed. &nbsp;I picked her up, and i sat in the rocking chair with her and rocked her and rocked her......in walks Deb....i am CAUGHT. &nbsp;WE are CAUGHT. &nbsp;I can remember baby sitting one night - we were at Shawn and Deb's house.....Deb and Shawn had strict rules....to bed at a certain time.....and we let Avery stay up late that night....and you went to get ice cream for us. &nbsp;Avery and i sat on the porch waiting for you to get home and we made up a little song about papa going to get ice cream and Avery staying up late. &nbsp;It seems we just broke all the rules =) &nbsp;That's what grandparents do, right????? &nbsp;Dance recitals, sitting through heck to finally see the stars of the show =) &nbsp;Our little stars......So many sweet times with those two. &nbsp;Then the heartache of divorce - I have never seen our boys lower than that. &nbsp;Worried this momma to the core. &nbsp;Thankfully, as time goes by - Chase finds the love of his life and we get THREE precious lives in our family.....the SWEETEST time....remember the engagement? &nbsp;Oh my goodness, that was so fun.....how i loved seeing Chase going to so much trouble to surprise her.....Meeting Angie....meeting Audie and Hay.....blending our families......God answered prayers. &nbsp;Then Shawn.....broken heart, broken trust.....and our broken hearts because of the divorce. &nbsp;For years we weren't allowed to mention Deb's name. &nbsp;I prayed so hard for it all....Avery was caught in the middle.....and then, God's sweet answer to prayers.....Shawn was able to put it all somewhere....i am not sure where.....but he and Deb were able to come to terms and make it the best situation for Avery. &nbsp;Both the boys have done what it takes (and Angie too....bless her sweet heart) to put the girls first and make amends. &nbsp;It's the best thing for Avery and Addy.....I am SO thankful for Angie and the girls in Chase's life....i am still to this day praying for Shawn....and if it's Deb....i hope they both realize it.....if it's not, i pray for a precious Christian woman to come into their lives and share this precious gift of life and share it with Shawn and Avery. &nbsp;Audrey.... the scary times with the precious one....SO broken from her dad walking out....all the hurts as we traveled the road with Audrey.....And can i say this.....how PRECIOUS is that sweet baby boy Matthew and the pure JOY that has filled our Audrey Marie? &nbsp;Thank you Lord.....You took the situation and You made WONDERFUL. &nbsp;Thank you Lord....this is back tracking....but the first time i met Haley.....it was at Lakepointe's fall festival.....she had been at a sleepover and was SO tired. &nbsp;I was really worried because we were meeting our granddaughter for the first time. &nbsp;I knew that. &nbsp;WE knew that. &nbsp;She was so quiet and shy. &nbsp;There were rides....and we all got on a ride - me next to Hay - at the end....i got out, and i offered a hand to Hay to help her....she took my hand and never let go.....she kept my hand in hers..... my heart melted at that point and she was OURS. &nbsp;Oh - then the sweetest engagement......how precious was our Chase as he did so much to surprise Angie. &nbsp;Marriage.....Cancun.....sweetest time. &nbsp;Then Christmas.....at the mall, doing Christmas shopping with Chase....a tradition.....and he suggested asking Angie to join us for lunch. &nbsp;She comes into California Pizza Kitchen looking GREEN.....as we sit down, she sits next to me and Chase across from us. &nbsp;We start to order.....I look down and see rubber bracelets on Angie.....HUMMMMM, i know what those are for because we just returned from a cruise...those are for nausea.....i look down and mention them.....she has their caught in deer headlights look.....she looks at Chase...i ask what they are for.....and then i tell her i know what they are for....they are for nausea.....Chase looks at Angie....Angie loos at Chase.....and i look at Angie......she spills " Mimi i am pregnant and sick as a dog" - SWEETEST time......Precious times.....and then Christmas......we open a gift and it's a football jersey - a little bitty one......it's a BOY!!!!! &nbsp;Angie so sick....Christmas and pics of Angie so sick.....i remember she ate my guacamole like a banshee......only thing that tasted good....birth of our sweet Hayden.....Hayden MICHAEL....papa...that's YOUR name. &nbsp;Sweetest baby boy. &nbsp;Life goes on....Camp Mimi's.....Hayden and sandwiches cut with cookie cutters....Avery and Addy and the mall....crafts.....sleepovers in the media room.....Hay and shopping.....sweetest times with my babies.....all this Michael......We have SO much....we have SO much to be thankful for. &nbsp;Oh and then we find out our sweet Audie is going to have a baby.....we have worried about our Audrey.....never seemed to be happy....not completely......but then Matthew was born.....and i have never seen such joy.....Audrey is complete. &nbsp;That baby boy made all the difference in the world. &nbsp;Oh Michael.....our sweet life......we have been blessed beyond measure. &nbsp;I can't even tell you how much i love you. I look at you and i still melt. &nbsp;I kiss you....and that sweet touch of your lips turns me into mush. &nbsp;I think of all the trips we have taken.....Italy.....France.....but OH Canada.....i have wanted to take you to Banff since i met you. &nbsp;What a precious trip.....i got to share that joy with you. &nbsp;We have shared SO much......goodness, i am so blessed by the gift of you my Michael Lane Corley. &nbsp;I am SO gifted with the life we have lived. &nbsp;I remember asking God if it was the right thing to do.....when i married you, i didn't know you at ALL......and then driving around that day of our wedding.....driving around and asking God "what in the world am i doing? &nbsp;I don't even KNOW this man" - and then His sweet answer to me on KVIL.....the rain blared....." My name is Michael i have a nickel i have a nickel all shiny and new.....i'm going to marry a girl named Cindy....that's what i am going to do!" - Words of confirmation.....but i knew Michael.....i KNEW..... the minute your lips touched mine.....in the softest, SWEETEST kiss ever in the whole world....i KNEW.....and that night....December 16th, 1972.....i drove home saying to God.....this is the man i want to marry.....this is the love of my life. &nbsp;YOU were my gift from God Michael Lane Corley.......God made you especially for ME. &nbsp;Our life, our love......just the most precious gift from God. &nbsp;I love you beyond measure......i love you MORE than words can say. &nbsp;My heart was made for yours.......My life was made to share with you. &nbsp;I can never thank you enough for loving me.....loving your "woman child" - loving me even though you know me with all the warts and ugly parts......you see the beauty.....you see the LOVE......thank you Michael Lane Corley.....thank you for the lives we shared together......thank you for loving me in spite of me.....thank you for the sweetest love.....the most passionate love.....the most precious love i could have ever experienced on this earth. &nbsp;I haven't even mentioned our eternal life.....our eternal love for once another......i am SO thankful that we just GREW together in the Lord......we met....we went into our spirit life the same.....remember, you have always said that from that first meeting.....the meeting on Vanderbilt - you saw God's spirit in me.....and you were drawn to it......i was SO far from God at that point in my life.....but God let my love for Him shine....and God let your love for Him see that love....and we met in the middle.....we were babies in Christ....but oh Michael....we have grown! &nbsp;I look back at our lives and see God's hand in it all......He guided us to love Him more and more.....for grow in Him, more and more. &nbsp;Goodness, through your cancer.....that diagnosis on my birthday.....through the year of trials and tribulations......goodness.....we grew so much in that year.....we realized dependance on HIM was all we had. &nbsp;Thank HIM for guiding us through it all - for helping you through surgery.....oh my goodness.....that 11 days....brought us closer than we have ever been........drew us closer to HIM.......i wouldn't want to be any place other than by your side through it all.....and i was SO proud of you.....you face every turn with such trust....you are my hero Michael Lane Corley! &nbsp;i learned so much of during that time......we both drew closer.....it drew us closer to each other but more than anything, closer to our Lord. &nbsp;I love you Michael Lane Corley....more than any words can express......more than you can ever know.......more than i can even fathom......it's a love that passes all understanding....just like the love that God has for us and that we have for Him.......my love for you isn't able to be measured. &nbsp; I just hope you feel it.....i hope you KNOW it.....i love you beyond all measure. &nbsp;You are such a precious gift in my life. &nbsp;I am not worthy......but God gifted me with you. &nbsp;He just placed the most precious gift in my life on December 16th, 1972. &nbsp;I will never ever forget or take for granted the sweetest present i opened on that day.....the gift of LOVE....the gift of unconditional LOVE. &nbsp;You are precious in my life Michael Lane Corley.....I am forever grateful. &nbsp;I am forever in love with you. You are forever the LOVE OF MY LIFE on this earth. cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-13413478427248805322016-04-04T18:25:00.000-07:002016-04-04T18:25:04.899-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGumXuOdP1U/VwMTB4K6mfI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ByZ9YDVQIYUiZcyTdjxEdUubpbrpOuU5g/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kGumXuOdP1U/VwMTB4K6mfI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ByZ9YDVQIYUiZcyTdjxEdUubpbrpOuU5g/s320/IMG_4758.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I looked for pics of all of our friends.....my photo shop wouldn't load.....but just tonight....just today....i have to say what my precious friends mean in our lives. &nbsp;These precious friends....i couldn't make it without them. &nbsp;Today i was talking to Cindy - aka Bozo - she is just so precious to me.....i can tell her anything....ANYthing in this world. &nbsp;She is my twin....she is so precious to me. &nbsp;This last year has been heck.....and these precious friends....so many of them....got together and PRAYED for Michael every Thursday night.....all of these friends just were THERE for us. &nbsp;God you are so precious and i love the gift you gave us in our friendships. &nbsp;What sweet gifts You give. &nbsp;Thank you Lord.....thank you for my bestie!cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-76768775889970133432016-02-27T20:02:00.000-08:002016-02-27T20:02:27.707-08:00Addylou...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFGTH-4oHuQ/VtJwfQE9v6I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ovuLdvcEX3o/s1600/IMG_1669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFGTH-4oHuQ/VtJwfQE9v6I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ovuLdvcEX3o/s320/IMG_1669.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I just love this picture of our Addylou.....how did this happen though? &nbsp;How did this beautiful young woman emerge from the precious little baby girl we knew? &nbsp;Addy, you are so beautiful - inside and out. &nbsp;I told you today that i can see Jesus in your heart....with every action, every word....your tender heart just screams to me of Jesus. &nbsp;We are SO happy to know that He resides in your heart. &nbsp;You are beautiful sweet girl....and that beauty starts from the inside. &nbsp;Your beautiful brown eyes, that wondrous long curly brown hair, that tall and slender frame that SO reminds me of your daddy.....you are so beautiful. &nbsp;And we love you beyond measure!cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-3599123033016952962016-02-27T19:58:00.000-08:002016-02-27T19:58:09.445-08:00Allie girl...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K005OWS2bVc/VtJmnDi20DI/AAAAAAAAAmg/DPajx7EL3ZY/s1600/IMG_3899%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K005OWS2bVc/VtJmnDi20DI/AAAAAAAAAmg/DPajx7EL3ZY/s320/IMG_3899%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Let me tell you about a little pup named Allie....When she was just a puppy, Chase and 4 other college guys at UNT decided they needed a dog to join them in the house they rented. &nbsp;So off they go and they get this little girl. &nbsp;She lived with them probably a year and then as everyone graduated, it seems nobody could take her. &nbsp;Chase called and asked if we could keep her for "just a little while" until he got situated in an apartment the would take dogs. &nbsp;Here we are, probably 15-16 years later, and Allie girl became ours. &nbsp;Until yesterday. <br /><br />But first - the day we brought her from Denton - that first time for us to realize she was going home with US! &nbsp;I will never forget - we had her in the back seat of the van we were driving....there was a space right between Michael and me. &nbsp;Now Allie girl is a really skittish dog.....i think those boys did it to her....but she wasn't a jump in your lap kind of dog. &nbsp;But this sweet girl must have realized she had found heaven on earth....she inched her way up between the seats and put her head under our hands and pushed up against our hands....her way of telling us she was happy to be our Allie girl. &nbsp;We brought her home and she and Bogie got along just fine. &nbsp;There are many Allie stories....one picture i can see right now, as if yesterday - she and Bogie, laying flat with legs spread behind them, staring out the window in the game room at Runningbrook....just waiting for Michael to drive in. &nbsp;She was a good dog....never caused much trouble....a few accidents in the house, but other than that, Allie was a GOOD girl. &nbsp;Not the smartest dog.....but she nestled right in to our family and the place in our hearts that held her just grew and grew. &nbsp;She had the most beautiful eyes....brown....and the SOFTEST fur. &nbsp;Her hair gets really really long and we would find it everywhere because she sheds so bad. &nbsp;Every spring we would take her and get her shaved....she would come home from the "beauty shop" and oh my goodness, it made her look like a young pup every single time - even the last shave....when she was 18. &nbsp;She always had a special spring in her step after she was groomed....i think she thought she was one hot doggie! &nbsp;When we moved to Heath, she ran away - more than once! &nbsp;The first time she got out there, she was gone ALL day long. &nbsp;We just knew we had lost her. &nbsp;Chase even came from McKinney to help us look for her. &nbsp;We found a guy living in the neighborhood behind us that said he thought he saw her that morning....running for all she was worth along the creek bed. &nbsp;He thought she was a fox. &nbsp;She kinda had that fox look - and her huge bushy tail really did. &nbsp;It was dark and cold and raining....an awful night. &nbsp;Michael had a wedding so it was just me driving around the neighborhood with the windows down....yelling for all i was worth. &nbsp;I stopped and looked in some of the houses that were being built...thinking maybe she went inside to get warm. &nbsp;Now if you see Allie and you are on foot....and you call her name - she runs like crazy. &nbsp;But for some reason, if you are in a car, and you open the door, she comes bounding at you and jumps in the car. &nbsp;I was just about to give up....it was so hard to see....i hated to give up, but i had been EVERYwhere many times. &nbsp;I took one more swipe through the neighborhood and as i drove, i prayed and asked God to please let me find our Allie.....just as i was turning to go back home, my lights caught her eyes and she stared at me.....i thought she was going to run from me, but i quickly opened the car door and yelled her name.....her ears perked up - at least that one ear did....and her she came....muddy, truly just filthy and wet and cold....but she jumped right in my lap. &nbsp;I took her home, got her into a warm bath (in our gorgeous jetted tub) and bathed her good. &nbsp;I think she loved the warmth. &nbsp;I got her out and dried her the best i could....then i put her bed in front of the fire i had going.....she immediately laid her head down and she was asleep in NO time. &nbsp;For two days, she had trouble walking......she must have run and run all day long. &nbsp;We found the place she was getting out in the back and had it fixed....but she managed to get out a couple more times. &nbsp;Luckily, we found her each time. &nbsp;When we moved to Rockwall, she seemed to LOVE the new back yard.....she had bunnies to chase, squirrels.....we never let her be outside by herself because of the pool.....in her later years, Michael had her out back and he had to run inside really quick....when he came back out, he found her in the pool....swimming for all she was worth. &nbsp;We got lucky then too....he got her out and she was fine afterwards. &nbsp;As she got much older, she had arthritis....really bad....and got to the point we had to put her in diapers. &nbsp;Then there's the time i nearly killed her.....we had to start putting her in the laundry room at night because she walked all night long....so we put beds and blankets and towels down for her.....at night (and some times during the day) we would give her rotessiere chicken.....she loved it. &nbsp;She had a night light....a comfy bed and even with all that, the first night, she barked all night long. &nbsp;It was draining. &nbsp;SOOOO, we had these pills they had given us to give her when storms came (she was terrified) or on the 4th of July and New Years because she was so scared of the fire works. &nbsp;She hadn't taken them in years, but i thought the next night, i would give her one......in the past, it just calmed her down....made her at ease. &nbsp;Well, i guess because she weighed less and was older, the next morning she would barely move....we couldn't get her to eat or drink....she was so weak and couldn't even hold her head up. &nbsp;We rushed her to the animal ER (of course this happened on a weekend) and 800.00 later, lots of IV fluids, Allie was Allie again. I was SO thankful. &nbsp;I thought i had killed her. &nbsp;Even in the last days, Allie's little tail would just wag and wag....we had this french drain in the back yard....it was just a gray drain...not very wide - but every time she passed it, she would hop over it....even in her last days....and if she was having a really bad day, she might not be able to hop, but her little head would bob up and down to emulate the hop. &nbsp;Oh my goodness, we loved our Allie girl. &nbsp;Yesterday she left us. &nbsp;We think she probably had a stroke....weak on her left side to the point she couldn't stand....the vet said it could be a number of things....all not good. &nbsp;The decision was made that it was time to help her to heaven. &nbsp;(I DO think God has a special place....maybe a beautiful meadow....for our little animals to go when they leave us - God knows how much we love them....how they become a part of our families) &nbsp;My cousin in Arkansas, married to a vet, told me weeks ago (i was telling her how painful life was for Allie....but her tail still wagged sometimes) that Allie would let me know when it was "time".....well, yesterday morning Allie was not herself....she was so sad....no tail wagging....just looked at me with those huge brown eyes. &nbsp;I remember being outside with her and even said out loud to her "Allie girl....are you trying to tell me that it's time?" - As the day went on, i noticed that she was having lots more trouble.....i would even have to lay her on her side so she could rest.....i would cover her with a warm blanket and she would snooze so deeply she would dream so many dreams....her little paws would be like she was running - maybe dreaming about those times she ran away and enjoyed her freedom. &nbsp;I gave her some of her chicken....trying to see if i could help her get a little energy.....but yesterday afternoon, i think she just decided it was time. &nbsp;I am so glad that God helped us make that decision.....i couldn't have done it i don't think. &nbsp;Michael stayed with her as they gave her the injection....i am a weenie....i just couldn't do it. &nbsp;He petted her head and told her how he loved her....what a good dog she had been.....and slowly her big brown eyes closed and she found her way to that meadow in heaven.<br /><br />We will miss our girl. She was a good girl....i think she knew she was loved so much....she gave us so much in return. &nbsp;Not a lap dog.....but sure loved us up. &nbsp;Allie girl....you run and run in beautiful heaven....I hope you know how very much you were loved. cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-54056704140403679272015-12-25T09:21:00.001-08:002015-12-25T09:23:45.746-08:00Merry Christmas 2015Christmas morning....woke up way before Michael - sitting in the quiet...thinking about this day.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZkQuQwUxXM/Vn1sJnsNvFI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rr_ddoeNPnI/s1600/IMG_3439.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZkQuQwUxXM/Vn1sJnsNvFI/AAAAAAAAAh0/rr_ddoeNPnI/s320/IMG_3439.PNG" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a sweet little Christmas gift!</td></tr></tbody></table>This Day i am missing my family....most are in Kansas City celebrating with our Kansas City peeps - Addy and Avery are celebrating with their moms, Shawn is at his house and Michael and i are home. &nbsp;One of the sweetest gifts we received this Christmas is a little sweet boy named Matthew....our great grandson! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5M4mQ-FjoeA/Vn11gR6cV3I/AAAAAAAAAlY/qbpc9O-X00M/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5M4mQ-FjoeA/Vn11gR6cV3I/AAAAAAAAAlY/qbpc9O-X00M/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Haley....in love already!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8euGqmqkYEc/Vn1t4554vRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/XEuTPvCIA9I/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8euGqmqkYEc/Vn1t4554vRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/XEuTPvCIA9I/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas gift from God<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOaS-7p7WT0/Vn1t8HGneDI/AAAAAAAAAi8/A7hX3erkfwc/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOaS-7p7WT0/Vn1t8HGneDI/AAAAAAAAAi8/A7hX3erkfwc/s320/IMG_3264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are loved beyond measure!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diKD5zT5W-w/Vn1uDM6YbhI/AAAAAAAAAjI/axVKR05gTas/s1600/IMG_3188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diKD5zT5W-w/Vn1uDM6YbhI/AAAAAAAAAjI/axVKR05gTas/s320/IMG_3188.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Audrey...prayers for you and Todd and this new chapter. &nbsp;You will find that love that you never knew existed....it's more powerful than you can ever imagine...it's such a precious gift. &nbsp;Love you to the moon and back!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfV3NEFNXa8/Vn1tt_WlU-I/AAAAAAAAAik/W6OlEnhEv8U/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfV3NEFNXa8/Vn1tt_WlU-I/AAAAAAAAAik/W6OlEnhEv8U/s320/IMG_3189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of us are not quite sure about momma holding another baby!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULEIatn4SGs/Vn1tsBYMFLI/AAAAAAAAAiY/2yElUJfEHME/s320/IMG_3234.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #000020; font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">&nbsp;I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.</span><span style="color: #000020;">Charles Dickens.&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />We had our Christmas with the family last weekend. &nbsp;Because of sharing the girls, this Christmas was our year to have Christmas on another day. &nbsp;It's really so REAL, Michael and i both feel like Christmas was a week ago. &nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJItIxqMIBE/Vn1jzqMZCJI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6t0dusPHRjw/s1600/5B9947D2-9474-4366-AF0C-BB1CD635BB1E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJItIxqMIBE/Vn1jzqMZCJI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6t0dusPHRjw/s320/5B9947D2-9474-4366-AF0C-BB1CD635BB1E.JPG" width="320" /></a>Mimi and her girls....but missing Audrey<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMcrKXXLipM/Vn1jrZqrN_I/AAAAAAAAAgI/0vSs7pV6iuU/s320/CEF7FB05-0974-4F58-8791-D52F6EBFF812.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love you Chase Corley</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fH6uL2pfk4A/Vn1jie2ry8I/AAAAAAAAAf8/WHkFUSzBmlo/s320/EDF2CAFA-EE89-4D19-93E8-2F2D1EBB7EA1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas kisses</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYBwzQmRCYc/Vn1ju7qs-NI/AAAAAAAAAgU/3bVRz5WmF-4/s1600/1CF13F4E-ACCE-447E-85CB-8E8321DA8055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYBwzQmRCYc/Vn1ju7qs-NI/AAAAAAAAAgU/3bVRz5WmF-4/s320/1CF13F4E-ACCE-447E-85CB-8E8321DA8055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Santa</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EAN3skzKkM/Vn1jdLYxFbI/AAAAAAAAAfw/66QQlL5rooc/s320/253B66D5-F8A9-442A-9ABF-433A3AEDF236.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing Audrey...</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EAN3skzKkM/Vn1jdLYxFbI/AAAAAAAAAfw/66QQlL5rooc/s1600/253B66D5-F8A9-442A-9ABF-433A3AEDF236.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fH6uL2pfk4A/Vn1jie2ry8I/AAAAAAAAAf8/WHkFUSzBmlo/s1600/EDF2CAFA-EE89-4D19-93E8-2F2D1EBB7EA1.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMcrKXXLipM/Vn1jrZqrN_I/AAAAAAAAAgI/0vSs7pV6iuU/s1600/CEF7FB05-0974-4F58-8791-D52F6EBFF812.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>We had a great time. &nbsp;Wish i had pictures of Shawn....he's doesn't like his picture taken....makes me sad....all through the years we will have so many pictures of everyone, except Shawn. &nbsp;Makes me sad, but it makes him mad if i try. &nbsp;Sad that in the years ahead, Avery won't be able to look back and remember her daddy. &nbsp;She will just have to rely on her heart and mind. &nbsp;Every once in a while we sneak a picture of him though. <br /><br />On Christmas Eve, Michael and i went to the candlelight service at our church.....<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V3Cjbc5BKk/Vn1mNDwOS_I/AAAAAAAAAg4/WmGdSkF_qzk/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V3Cjbc5BKk/Vn1mNDwOS_I/AAAAAAAAAg4/WmGdSkF_qzk/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silent night....HOLY night.</td></tr></tbody></table>It always reminds me of the reason for this season. &nbsp;I get so caught up in the gifts and the decorating and the food and the stress of the season that i often forget the reason we celebrate. &nbsp;It's not the gifts we give....it's the gift we received. &nbsp;It's the fact that God sent His Son to earth, as a tiny baby, to live among us - all the time KNOWING His Son would die on a cross - an agonizing death - so that we could live in eternity with Him. &nbsp;Tears this morning....i think a bit because i am missing my family so much. &nbsp;It's Christmas and i miss waking up this morning with them....but mostly these tears because 1) - i am SO thankful God loved me enough to send His son to die for me....that's first and foremost but 2) i have tears because i think i lost the true meaning of this holiday in all the hustle and bustle of the season. &nbsp;I pray that next year our entire family will focus on Christ....not the gifts under the tree....but the gift that lives in our hearts - the gift that saves us from separation from our Creator. &nbsp;God please forgive me....i got caught up in the lights...and i want so badly to be caught up in YOU. &nbsp;I pray Lord Jesus, that this year, 2016, will be a year of drawing closer to you....of simplifying our lives and concentrating on what TRULY matters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I am SO thankful for my family.....they are such precious gifts in our lives...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo8NVk97xqI/Vn1xpZqfVHI/AAAAAAAAAjg/CmeHvHbmyCI/s1600/IMG_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo8NVk97xqI/Vn1xpZqfVHI/AAAAAAAAAjg/CmeHvHbmyCI/s320/IMG_3414.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our granddads...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhF5gekCdEw/Vn10IYtkURI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/KrauWcLtD9o/s1600/2BBF4D23-B6CA-421C-9E2F-642360E31344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhF5gekCdEw/Vn10IYtkURI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/KrauWcLtD9o/s320/2BBF4D23-B6CA-421C-9E2F-642360E31344.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No pictures this early Mimi!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLCKdlXKdd4/Vn1z_XIzpQI/AAAAAAAAAkE/9DYMbx9F3RI/s1600/CB6CDB51-F531-4B07-81F6-04711D3AB4A0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLCKdlXKdd4/Vn1z_XIzpQI/AAAAAAAAAkE/9DYMbx9F3RI/s320/CB6CDB51-F531-4B07-81F6-04711D3AB4A0.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avery Grace!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4OXuCLrfWI/Vn11RmUcuoI/AAAAAAAAAlM/XwNvj0FERlQ/s1600/589D31ED-D2AF-41CD-B471-B2BE84570DF6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4OXuCLrfWI/Vn11RmUcuoI/AAAAAAAAAlM/XwNvj0FERlQ/s320/589D31ED-D2AF-41CD-B471-B2BE84570DF6.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas Addyboo!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hawDc2w97VU/Vn1zyJnoGUI/AAAAAAAAAj4/JIYKR5Tqf9Y/s1600/79BA7FE0-A32C-44F1-9B08-AEB10DCAA1CD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hawDc2w97VU/Vn1zyJnoGUI/AAAAAAAAAj4/JIYKR5Tqf9Y/s320/79BA7FE0-A32C-44F1-9B08-AEB10DCAA1CD.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa came!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wv25MJzxn4/Vn10-xpkBcI/AAAAAAAAAlA/MSc11OgOkhU/s1600/5D60E355-7102-480F-865C-17FCE7EB6633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wv25MJzxn4/Vn10-xpkBcI/AAAAAAAAAlA/MSc11OgOkhU/s320/5D60E355-7102-480F-865C-17FCE7EB6633.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayden Michael and his new hat Santa brought him....wish Santa could bring a win for the Cowboys!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6vPsg56rTY/Vn1oY9cAazI/AAAAAAAAAho/SSUW4WZLUAo/s1600/8C81E879-ADCA-43E2-92C3-C54FC69E1D58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6vPsg56rTY/Vn1oY9cAazI/AAAAAAAAAho/SSUW4WZLUAo/s320/8C81E879-ADCA-43E2-92C3-C54FC69E1D58.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man....thank you Lord for this precious gift in my life. &nbsp;I thank You too for healing him...thank you Lord. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_uBq74OVZs/Vn10jp2VnsI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ekyjJn7IcEg/s1600/3DADE2A0-FE3F-4C9E-8583-EF99D9FB13D9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_uBq74OVZs/Vn10jp2VnsI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ekyjJn7IcEg/s320/3DADE2A0-FE3F-4C9E-8583-EF99D9FB13D9.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dada, this might be his sport! &nbsp;He can HIT that ball!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACkB5jpM1jw/Vn13JO9lV2I/AAAAAAAAAmI/H-Jdjq2wKV0/s1600/73CE7DE2-5670-46A2-83B5-0BA99A7E9E4F.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACkB5jpM1jw/Vn13JO9lV2I/AAAAAAAAAmI/H-Jdjq2wKV0/s320/73CE7DE2-5670-46A2-83B5-0BA99A7E9E4F.JPG" width="214" /></a><br /><br />Sweet Angie.....such a gift and an answer to this momma's prayers. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two days before Christmas we got to celebrate Addylou turning 13! &nbsp;I can't believe it's been 13 years. &nbsp;She is such a beauty.....inside and out. &nbsp;She loves the Lord and is growing in her walk with Him. &nbsp;She is such a precious gift in our lives....Thank you Lord for Addison Lane Corley....i pray that You will hold her tight and guide her sweet life to Your perfection. &nbsp;Guard her heart Lord i pray....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSMiN0Khz-c/Vn12YzpDJZI/AAAAAAAAAlw/hcS9tanu6cg/s1600/IMG_3415.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSMiN0Khz-c/Vn12YzpDJZI/AAAAAAAAAlw/hcS9tanu6cg/s320/IMG_3415.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Love my sweet girl so much....<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmJmuJCeiZg/Vn12hN1Vb4I/AAAAAAAAAl8/3B3EgY8WIU8/s1600/IMG_3405.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmJmuJCeiZg/Vn12hN1Vb4I/AAAAAAAAAl8/3B3EgY8WIU8/s320/IMG_3405.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />Teenager now =)<br /><br />Thank you Lord for this day.....i pray that we will carry it's meaning every single day of the rest of our lives. &nbsp;I pray Your protection over &nbsp;my family....i pray Your Holy Spirit in our hearts....i pray for each of us, people in our lives that will help us love You more...serve You more. &nbsp;Lord please fill our hearts with Your love....and let us ALL live with thankful hearts....all year long! &nbsp;I want to fall deeper and deeper in love with You...Hold my heart Lord...Mold us and make us YOURS. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMOxay1X8xg/Vn137dnht2I/AAAAAAAAAmU/BCUngndGb_Q/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMOxay1X8xg/Vn137dnht2I/AAAAAAAAAmU/BCUngndGb_Q/s320/IMG_3434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-6094317195717909312015-09-06T07:38:00.003-07:002015-09-06T07:38:41.302-07:00This man....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3THjHDnYE4/UiD0v7WrRXI/AAAAAAAAAE0/EXyNSTl10JU/s1600/028636ed-5ee6-4647-9f23-5ed5e3626242" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3THjHDnYE4/UiD0v7WrRXI/AAAAAAAAAE0/EXyNSTl10JU/s320/028636ed-5ee6-4647-9f23-5ed5e3626242" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's another thought this morning. &nbsp;When Michael was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, it was hard to even think about surgery....He wasn't sick - felt great...but because that big ole KNOT was on his neck, we KNEW cancer was there and we KNEW we had to get it out. &nbsp;Surgery was not an option. &nbsp;But this day....THIS day, my heart hurts, my mind is SO tired of the stress of wondering....radiation has been suggested...well, not just suggested, radiation has been forced on us as a must have - but he's not sick....No signs of being sick....and we are forced with doing radiation not knowing for sure if the cancer still remains. &nbsp;This is such a hard decision - with all the side effects of radiation that we have been told about. &nbsp;Effects that last a lifetime and even get worse with time. &nbsp;Lord help us with YOUR wisdom....i pray for writing on the wall...I pray for doors to open for second opinions. &nbsp;I pray for COMPLETE healing for this precious man i love so much. &nbsp;Lord hold us tight...i pray. &nbsp;Help us KNOW Lord....open doors and close doors....mold us and make us YOURS. &nbsp;I pray that as we travel this scary road we are on, that God we will magnify YOU in every step.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LORD, we love You so very much! &nbsp;We trust You have our very best ahead of us. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just pray you fill our hearts to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit!</div><br />cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-3868588822453928272015-09-06T07:29:00.000-07:002015-09-06T07:29:43.278-07:00Cold weather is my thing....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6EQoyj49mc/VexM7pSOy-I/AAAAAAAAAfU/UvSgI41HzjE/s1600/IMG_2099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6EQoyj49mc/VexM7pSOy-I/AAAAAAAAAfU/UvSgI41HzjE/s320/IMG_2099.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have decided that i am definitely a cold weather person. &nbsp;I find myself in the morning searching for the coffee mug from Colorado or Canada just to savor a hint of the memories of our trips there. &nbsp;Love the beach and the waves and the water....sunsets and sunrises reflecting on the ocean water - but give me the mountains and the snow and the brisk air and the Christmas trees and the smokey breaths any day of the week. &nbsp;LOVED our recent trip to Canada. &nbsp;Will post about it soon - but this morning, as i hunted for the mug with memories - thought about our trip and decided for a fact....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i LOVE the mountains!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you Lord for the sweet trip and the beauty you created in Canada. &nbsp;</div>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-65791036620100926252015-08-30T10:03:00.004-07:002015-08-30T10:06:32.556-07:00Celebrating Avery Grace...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJFyZHljzsU/VeMy2nuBHAI/AAAAAAAAAdM/-SED8kbmvf4/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJFyZHljzsU/VeMy2nuBHAI/AAAAAAAAAdM/-SED8kbmvf4/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />On August 29th, 2015 we gathered at our house to celebrate the birthday of a very special little girl....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TUab9IPTS0/VeMyRXnGelI/AAAAAAAAAc8/YCKA9EHGzXo/s1600/56BC2D07-0675-43F4-A6AB-4270FDC77564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TUab9IPTS0/VeMyRXnGelI/AAAAAAAAAc8/YCKA9EHGzXo/s1600/56BC2D07-0675-43F4-A6AB-4270FDC77564.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our little family was small yesterday - missing Haley and Audrey, but we sure did have a good time celebrating 12 years of wonderful! &nbsp;The girls swam...and played with the "big boat" in the pool....even with the big boat though, Hayden didn't want one toe to set foot in that water!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPqv9P4hLes/VeMzJ41E4WI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xbKWbag-s4M/s1600/DFA9C3D8-5EFC-42BC-AA18-CBF3AD1AF783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPqv9P4hLes/VeMzJ41E4WI/AAAAAAAAAdc/xbKWbag-s4M/s1600/DFA9C3D8-5EFC-42BC-AA18-CBF3AD1AF783.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJwkhm0PeeM/VeMysWfAIPI/AAAAAAAAAdE/3Cc22f_jzyw/s1600/14C90343-1062-405E-AD93-CF89E0F2FC0F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJwkhm0PeeM/VeMysWfAIPI/AAAAAAAAAdE/3Cc22f_jzyw/s1600/14C90343-1062-405E-AD93-CF89E0F2FC0F.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKPYHg5sCF8/VeMzS52GDFI/AAAAAAAAAdk/mxW7kAst18s/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKPYHg5sCF8/VeMzS52GDFI/AAAAAAAAAdk/mxW7kAst18s/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9u-sqG-v3A/VeMzaixjQ0I/AAAAAAAAAds/M4OUtg5ItmA/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9u-sqG-v3A/VeMzaixjQ0I/AAAAAAAAAds/M4OUtg5ItmA/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyWdZ4AWg2E/VeMzgb-cphI/AAAAAAAAAd0/ZSknnwvp8FM/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyWdZ4AWg2E/VeMzgb-cphI/AAAAAAAAAd0/ZSknnwvp8FM/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had all of Avery's favorites - mac and cheese, brisket quesadillas (thank you Chase for putting them all together for us </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4gAFUs5aDk/VeM1C_hKfgI/AAAAAAAAAeA/5v75Cpl-EHA/s1600/C63007A0-053E-4599-84A4-7EC5A4941EF1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4gAFUs5aDk/VeM1C_hKfgI/AAAAAAAAAeA/5v75Cpl-EHA/s1600/C63007A0-053E-4599-84A4-7EC5A4941EF1.JPG" /></a></div>and everyone's favorite, Chocolate Eclair Cake! &nbsp;Avery told me at least three times during the day "Mimi, thank you for making all my favorites....and thank you for making my birthday the best ever" - such a sweet and thankful heart this one has. &nbsp;So proud of our Avery Grace!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her gifts were mostly ones for her room....a mirror, a piggy bank</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5C80mZstMM/VeM1MHkxe7I/AAAAAAAAAeI/GiAeWCCpwR8/s1600/6F9552CC-E4D6-4C38-9A56-75733CD6860E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5C80mZstMM/VeM1MHkxe7I/AAAAAAAAAeI/GiAeWCCpwR8/s1600/6F9552CC-E4D6-4C38-9A56-75733CD6860E.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2M0DvR8tum8/VeM1YLupQ4I/AAAAAAAAAeU/3hZ62kkZl3Q/s1600/7F711EFF-4E54-4893-BC05-DCD1440B37CC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2M0DvR8tum8/VeM1YLupQ4I/AAAAAAAAAeU/3hZ62kkZl3Q/s1600/7F711EFF-4E54-4893-BC05-DCD1440B37CC.JPG" /></a></div>that she wanted from Z Gallery, an exercise ball that she wanted to use as a seat for her desk (in her new room....absolutely love their new home and Shawn was sure to get Avery's room finished first. &nbsp;It's adorable and so "Avery" - she truly has a style of her own.....creative and unique....and totally "artsy"! &nbsp;We also got her a game that most of us played during the afternoon....it was a FUN birthday. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkIfr2NITqg/VeM1iwXVGGI/AAAAAAAAAec/KceScUUBtjA/s1600/4414DFD9-81C8-4BC5-9894-6C555F822E57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkIfr2NITqg/VeM1iwXVGGI/AAAAAAAAAec/KceScUUBtjA/s1600/4414DFD9-81C8-4BC5-9894-6C555F822E57.JPG" /></a></div><br />Hayden helped with opening most of the gifts (Avery was so sweet to let him do that)...he just LOVES opening presents....even if they are for "DIRLS"! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cUkmUv5zjAw/VeM1wXwCduI/AAAAAAAAAek/rlTJqQt3qSQ/s1600/E3AB9482-2B0E-4272-BF38-9462548282B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cUkmUv5zjAw/VeM1wXwCduI/AAAAAAAAAek/rlTJqQt3qSQ/s1600/E3AB9482-2B0E-4272-BF38-9462548282B7.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lord, i thank You for this day with most of our family.....and i thank You for the gift of Avery Grace in all of our lives. &nbsp;She has the most precious heart....she's creative beyond compare...she's sensitive to the needs and feelings of others (and sometimes overly sensitive, just like her mimi has always been. &nbsp;It's a gift and a curse....sometimes feelings are so hurt when they shouldn't be....but wouldn't trade our sensitivity for anything because it allows us both a sense of compassion and empathy), her sense of humor is off the charts - finding humor in the most everyday situations and things....she's beautiful....brown eyes, beautiful wavy brown hair and so many angel kisses on her nose and cheeks you can't count them! &nbsp;She's tiny in stature....but she's BIG on personality....her heart Lord is moldable and i pray so hard that You will write your name on this precious one's heart....that Your hands will guide every step of all the journey's in her life, that she will have a long and beautiful life ahead of her with YOU Lord Jesus as the center of it all. &nbsp;I pray Your protection over her - Your Holy Spirit filling her - and Your Joy running over the edges of her heart. &nbsp;Lord i pray Blessings on our Avery Grace....Thank You for the sweetest little gift we have in Avery Grace Corley. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAVV3sv9FWM/VeM3ZHGVIRI/AAAAAAAAAew/ZOw2fJn4o2A/s1600/DD53C925-E44D-4F4B-9624-8454C81A180E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAVV3sv9FWM/VeM3ZHGVIRI/AAAAAAAAAew/ZOw2fJn4o2A/s1600/DD53C925-E44D-4F4B-9624-8454C81A180E.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-15584254012473546322015-08-30T09:24:00.000-07:002015-08-30T09:24:47.411-07:00Hayden Michael and Haley Elizabeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyU2S6c7NIc/VeMYtNjhO0I/AAAAAAAAAbc/gJ2BU_uQL2k/s1600/of%253D52%252C235%252C273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KyU2S6c7NIc/VeMYtNjhO0I/AAAAAAAAAbc/gJ2BU_uQL2k/s1600/of%253D52%252C235%252C273.jpeg" /></a></div>This sweet one....and a memory from July 2015. &nbsp;We kept Haley and Hayden for a few days while the kids went to Mexico for a little vacation. &nbsp;As always with Hayden, we had "sleepovers" - He sleeps in his "ider-man" sleeping bag (and lots and lots of pillows and blankets) and i tough it out on the couch beside him in the media room....sweet times with my little man. &nbsp;This trip Haley opted for the bedroom (her usual spot is one of the couches in the media room too, but i guess she wanted some peace and quiet). &nbsp;Whenever Hayden comes for "Camp Mimi" - i have his sleeping bag on the couch and there's always a surprise hidden there. &nbsp;Ever since he was so so tiny, he's learned, as he walks in that door, to stand on his tippy toes and look for his surprise. &nbsp;This time i tricked him. &nbsp;I didn't put it there. We walk into the media room and immediately his eyes go to the couch - he looked at me with this surprised look on his face - i told him "Hayden, this time Mimi made it hard for you - you must FIND your buried treasure!" - Oh the surprise on his little face....he starts running every which way looking for his prize. &nbsp;After a few "hints" - he finds it and oh is he happy! &nbsp;i so love this tradition with my little man. &nbsp;I think he loves it too. &nbsp;Another tradition with Hayden are his lunches - well, it's turned into every meal =) &nbsp;One day when he was staying with us for Camp Mimi - it was a time when they were having trouble getting him to eat (i am not sure this boy is a Corley - my boys wanted to forego the Happy Meals at 3 years of age just so they could have a BIG burger! - never had this problem with Shawn and Chase! - oh, and Hayden has passed that stage now....he LOVES yummy food now) so in an effort to help his appetite, i made "super power" sandwiches. &nbsp;I got really soft bread and with a cookie cutter i was able to make cute little sandwiches for him. &nbsp;And guess what? &nbsp;He LOVED them - he gobbled them up! &nbsp;Even yesterday when they came to celebrate Avery's birthday - we were having brisket tacos but he wanted a sandwich. &nbsp;I didn't have bread so i asked him "How about a quesadilla - it will be so yummy" - "mimi, can you make me a super power one?" - so what did i do? &nbsp;I got the cookie cutters out and made cut outs with the flour tortilla. &nbsp;i so love these sweet traditions with my Hayden.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDrwM1YFWsk/VeMddjidxGI/AAAAAAAAAbw/n8IU3TNp6bw/s1600/of%253D52%252C235%252C273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDrwM1YFWsk/VeMddjidxGI/AAAAAAAAAbw/n8IU3TNp6bw/s1600/of%253D52%252C235%252C273.jpeg" /></a></div>Another memory when we kept the kids in July - Little man is at the age now where he watches movies....all the way through. &nbsp;One night, Haley, Hayden and i watched "night at the museum" for the first time and he LOVED it. &nbsp;His favorite part was when the monkey peed on Ben Stiller. &nbsp;He wanted me to play that part over and over and he would giggle and giggle. &nbsp;The next morning, he asks "Mimi, can we watch that show where the dinosaur comes alive and the monkey pees on the man?" - so all over again we watch the movie and he just giggles even more. &nbsp;We have had a pretty free time his entire visit with little TV or "i-paid" as he calls it, <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw3Du2IYmtw/VeMuCL9m3iI/AAAAAAAAAcs/88bEcFk47OM/s1600/IMG_1613.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw3Du2IYmtw/VeMuCL9m3iI/AAAAAAAAAcs/88bEcFk47OM/s1600/IMG_1613.PNG" /></a></div>so he asks for another movie. &nbsp;I thought of seeing about one of the other Nights at the museum but couldn't find one - but i come across the "never ending story" - i read the synopsis and decide it sounds like a good one....so i turn it on....it's a little slow at first and Hayden says "Mimi, when does it start happening?" - so i fast forward....and get to the action part. &nbsp;It's about a little boy reading this book and he BECOMES the main character. &nbsp;He's riding this horse through the desert, through the mountains....and THEN he comes to the "Swamp of Sorrow" - it's dark and scary - the music changes....Hayden is sitting in the chair closest to the TV and his eyes are as big as saucers. &nbsp;His eyes are riveted on that RV screen. &nbsp;The boy has to get off his horse and he's telling the horse "Don't let the sadness overtake you - if you do, you will sink into the mire - fight it with all you have" - they come to this scary monster in the vines - his eyes light up green and the growls really loud.....Hayden RUNS to the middle of the room, turning circles and screaming "Don't turn it off Mimi!!! &nbsp;Don't turn it off!!" - He runs and hides behind my chair and peeks over the top "Don't turn it off Mimi!!!" - oh my goodness, i was laughing inside. &nbsp;He was scared out of his wits, but he didn't want me to turn it off. &nbsp;He wanted to see what happened next! &nbsp;Well, i think i scarred him for life....the next scene, the horse starts sinking....he's letting the sadness overtake him - and the little boy is shouting at him "noooooo, fight it!!" and Hayden is yelling "NOOOOOO, fight the sadness!!" - i have never seen this movie before, but dad gum it, the horse SINKS into the mire! &nbsp;Hayden is now yelling at me "Turn this off Mimi....who wants to watch this? &nbsp;The horse is in the mire....Mimi, turn it off!!!" Before i can get the control and turn it off, the scene switches to the current little boy reading the book and he's just bawling.....and Hayden yells "See Mimi....he's TRYING (he can't say his c's) - turn it off!!" - so we turn off the movie and i am thinking oh my gosh, i have ruined this little one.....fast thinking - altho i have never seen the movie, i tell Hayden...."i know that was SO sad - but sometimes sadness CAN bring us down - but Hayden, you know what happened next?" &nbsp;Huge saucer eyes - "what Mimi?" &nbsp;I tell him "the little boy loved his horse SO very much and the love in his heart brought the horse back up out of the mire and they road out of that swamp of sadness together - LOVE overcame sadness Hayden" - well, he was better after that but he said "i never ever want to see dat movie ADIN!" &nbsp;As i was retelling the story to Michael, it made me think of our situation.....we can't let the swamp of cancer overtake us.....we have to fight it with all we have....with all God's strength....or we could sink in the mire too!<br /><br />SWEET times with my little man....and i also had the SWEETEST time with Hayhay. &nbsp;Papa played with Hayden and let us go for a shopping day on the square. &nbsp;We were able to get Haley a few things for college....and then at night, after Hayden fell asleep, we would watch movies together....i couldn't believe she hadn't seen "You've got Mail" or "While you were Sleeping" or "Sleepless in Seattle" - we had so much fun watching those love stories....we had long talks about college, the future, our faith....the "boy" - oh how i love our precious Haley. &nbsp;She's truly such a gift in our lives!.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSgl0dIMiqk/VeMs1f-yf4I/AAAAAAAAAcM/QjCiCl2ikLA/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSgl0dIMiqk/VeMs1f-yf4I/AAAAAAAAAcM/QjCiCl2ikLA/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xziehwCfsss/VeMtBWDzFqI/AAAAAAAAAcU/4qGB5tABoPk/s1600/DEC68289-279D-4342-A302-14418389CDF9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xziehwCfsss/VeMtBWDzFqI/AAAAAAAAAcU/4qGB5tABoPk/s1600/DEC68289-279D-4342-A302-14418389CDF9.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojWaeEgVOlA/VeMtMB3GjcI/AAAAAAAAAcc/xY1r8LzXXG8/s1600/3AC17388-2DAB-465B-8F63-8D632CC864DE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojWaeEgVOlA/VeMtMB3GjcI/AAAAAAAAAcc/xY1r8LzXXG8/s1600/3AC17388-2DAB-465B-8F63-8D632CC864DE.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Time with these two....sweet memories. &nbsp;We are so blessed with 5 wonderful grandchildren....and having one on one time with them is just priceless. &nbsp;Thank you Lord for the gift of each one of them....help us live our lives in such a way that they will see You in us....so that they will be drawn to Your mercy and grace and salvation. &nbsp;Each and every day i pray that You will send people into all of our lives that will help us know You, seek You and love You more and more. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Write Your Holy Name on their hearts Lord i pray....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhK3wlwmfFs/VeMt49qgvXI/AAAAAAAAAck/WFQy9bt_qZk/s1600/224C96C4-63B9-40F5-AE7E-9BB75DB1B853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhK3wlwmfFs/VeMt49qgvXI/AAAAAAAAAck/WFQy9bt_qZk/s1600/224C96C4-63B9-40F5-AE7E-9BB75DB1B853.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-64991322323681845982015-07-12T07:08:00.002-07:002015-07-12T07:23:44.845-07:0041...41 years ago today.....i woke up with severe back pain......9 months pregnant (first pregnancy) and oblivious - sent Michael on to work not thinking my BACK would hurt if i was in labor....nooooo, it would be this huge bulge in the front that would be tightening! &nbsp;About 10:30, i called my mom. &nbsp;She suggested i come to their house - and that i call Michael to come back home. &nbsp;She's thinking this is labor. &nbsp;She was right! &nbsp;The night before this - we were on 3rd row at an America concert - i waddled into the concert hall and worried most of the time that the loud music might disturb my sweet baby snuggled safely under my heart. &nbsp;He danced around all during the concert.....i kinda think he loved "America" - especially "A horse with no name". &nbsp;Back to Friday morning.....drove myself to mom and dad's and she had me in the recliner and began to time the back aches. &nbsp;Sure enough, they were coming about every 5 minutes. &nbsp;After a call to the doctor's office - and it was my doctor's day off.....hated that - wanted Dr. Griffin to deliver Shawn- we were told to head to the hospital. &nbsp;To my surprise, Dr. Griffin got the call that i was in labor and he came down - on his day off- to be there and deliver Shawn. &nbsp;They got me all settled into the labor room.....hooked me up to something that would help the labor along.....only to find it wasn't helping. &nbsp;I couldn't have an epidural until i dilated to a 5....i was stuck at 3.....and i can tell you.....it HURT. &nbsp;I remember squeezing Michael's hand so hard with each contraction that HE was hurting. &nbsp;It was really awful. &nbsp;I also remember hearing the girl in the room next to me....she was screaming! &nbsp;That afternoon, Dr. Griffin ordered an X-ray - he couldn't understand why things weren't moving along. &nbsp;He came back in and told us - this is a BIG baby! &nbsp;That is why things aren't going as planned. &nbsp;FINALLY, early evening, i finally got to a 5 - never could i imagine i would BEG for a long needle to puncture my spine, but i DID. &nbsp;And oh my goodness.....it was like heaven. &nbsp;No more pains......RELIEF. &nbsp;At some point i caught a glimpse of me in a mirror. &nbsp;DARK circles under my eyes.....not a pretty sight! &nbsp;That evening, about 9 or so, they got me to the delivery room. &nbsp;They put a mask over my face and assured me everything would be okay and with that, i was out. &nbsp;I can still remember the coldness of that room....how bright the lights were....how excited and scared emotions ran through me at the same time. &nbsp;I was going to get to meet my sweet baby finally! &nbsp;When i woke up, i remember they held Shawn up - but it was from a long distance away. &nbsp;They were whisking him off for a bath and taking me into recovery. &nbsp;It took Dr. Griffin an hour to deliver Shawn.....10 pounds, 7 ounces - born at 10:13. &nbsp;Michael said he will never forget seeing Shawn in the bed they put him in - that he FILLED the bed - and stuck his feet up and out and that his toes were "stretching" - i guess he &nbsp;had been cramped inside me for so long - it must have felt SO good to stretch! &nbsp;Black hair - lots of it - fattest little face - eyes squeezed tight because your cheeks were so big....cutest baby boy and the size of a 5 month old! &nbsp;I didn't get to hold him that night =( &nbsp;The next morning, i remember being on the phone with my boss at work - telling them about Shawn's birthday. &nbsp;In comes a nurse with the sweetest little bundle - i quickly hang up the phone and take the precious gift in my arms for the first time. &nbsp;Oh my goodness, looking down at this child of ours....and then the girl in the room next to me says "i think that's my little girl" - Well sure enough....the nurse grabs the bundle from me - i will add the little FIVE POUND bundle i was holding - and hands her to my roommate. &nbsp;She leaves the room and in she walks with my 10 pound 7 oz baby boy. &nbsp; OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! &nbsp;I grab my son and hold him tight to my chest.....he brings that little head up and looks me straight in the eye.....Hello momma.....Hello sweet joy of our lives. &nbsp;From that moment on.....our lives were changed forever. &nbsp;As i have always said, we were children raising children! &nbsp;I hadn't the slightest clue what i was doing as a mom. &nbsp;SO many things we messed up through the years.....but i will tell you one thing i know for certain..... &nbsp;We did MANY things right - &nbsp; Because that baby boy grew up to be a precious man....wonderful daddy....sweet son. &nbsp;We have been through roller coasters of emotions as life played out before us.....but what a SWEET gift you are to us Shawn. &nbsp;We are SO very proud of you. &nbsp;Through daddy's bout with cancer, the hospital, recovery, you have been there at every turn for us.....taking such good care of us. &nbsp;You are such an awesome daddy.....the relationship you have with Avery is so precious.....she's blessed to have a daddy that loves her beyond measure. &nbsp;Your career has just grown and grown and your creativity continues to amaze us. &nbsp;We have seen you through so many stages of your life...Through greatest joys and deepest sorrows, and we have watched your heart soften and grow so much in the past few years. &nbsp;We pray each day for God to mold you and make you HIS.....and we are so thankful to see HIS work in your life! &nbsp;We love you Shawn Michael Corley.....so very much. &nbsp;We are so thankful to be your mom and dad. &nbsp;You are our first little gift God sent us. &nbsp;Thank you for loving us and caring for us the way you do. &nbsp;Happy Birthday Shawn.....we pray every single day for God to send His richest blessings on your life, on Avery's life.....we can't wait to see the gifts He has ahead for you both. &nbsp;Love you with ALL of my heart....momma.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-re5HJjeDtI4/VaJ4VZSa8OI/AAAAAAAAAa4/dGJm4WzgxRA/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-re5HJjeDtI4/VaJ4VZSa8OI/AAAAAAAAAa4/dGJm4WzgxRA/s320/IMG_1447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-90393853198329456922015-06-19T15:11:00.000-07:002015-06-19T15:11:26.701-07:00Roller CoastersHere's my update i sent out today:<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Welcome to our roller coaster……</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This morning Michael has his pet scan…..he had the first one - radiologist saw something above his bladder - doctor wanted more scans so he had two. &nbsp;We haven’t a clue what this is….something new. Please lift up prayers that it’s nothing…..or that if it is, radioactive iodine went straight to it and killed every bad cell. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today, it is my assumption that the scan lit up everywhere the iodine went…..this is a new place….we didn’t know about before. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Thank you for prayers. &nbsp;WE know that God is in control….He’s got this. &nbsp;We just were so hoping for closure. &nbsp;It’s been three months yesterday that we have been dealing with this and we thought we saw the light at the end of the tunnel. &nbsp;Please pray with us that Michael will be completely healed from this dreaded disease.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Love you guys so much. &nbsp;Thank you for loving us….for praying with us. &nbsp;It truly does mean the world to us. &nbsp;We claim Jeremiah 29:11. &nbsp;God’s got this!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">That was my email.....this knocked the wind out of me. &nbsp;Now there's a place above his bladder. &nbsp;God help me lay this at your feet and not worry. &nbsp;I don't know what in the world i think i can do about it....and do i really want to be in control? &nbsp;No God, i want YOUR will in our lives. &nbsp;Help me TRUST You Lord. &nbsp;You Lord know how much i love Michael.....You know he is the other half of me.....this storm has raged now for 3 months, and i realize i am whining....it's NOTHING compared to what YOU went through on the cross.....But oh My sweet Lord in Heaven....i lift THIS request up to You right now Lord Jesus....i pray SO hard that this glitch isn't something serious. &nbsp;I pray Lord Jesus that Michael will be COMPLETELY healed Lord....cancer FREE Lord Jesus. &nbsp;And i pray that he will be able to enjoy the golden years of his life....with me by his side....and that we can magnify You in all that we do and say. &nbsp;Lord please heal my Michael....and i know he's not truly mine....He belongs to YOU Jesus. &nbsp;I love him so very much and i pray Your mercy and grace in this storm Lord....i pray for lives to be changed because of this storm....i pray for complete healing for him Lord and i lay that desire of my heart right at your feet. &nbsp;EASE my fear Lord....HELP me trust You Lord. Take my worry and throw it as far as the east to the&nbsp;west Lord Jesus. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Thank you for loving me in spite of all my sin....all my fears.....You know my heart, inside and out Lord Jesus. &nbsp;I pray sweet Lord, that You will fill my heart with Your Holy Spirit and that MY life....our lives together....will reflect You. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I love you Lord. &nbsp;Thank you Lord - even in the storm. &nbsp;Thank you. &nbsp;</span>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-51863562972075402082015-06-18T11:41:00.002-07:002015-06-18T11:41:36.345-07:00Friends<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This is the song that i heard on the way home yesterday that brought me to tears….i pictured the waiting room….i pictured the living room full of hands being held and praying….…you guys have been this for me…..</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"You've Got A Friend"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">When you're down in troubles</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And you need some love and care</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And nothing, nothing is going right</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Close your eyes and think of me</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And soon i will be there</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">To brighten up even your darkest night</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">You just call out my name</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And you know wherever I am</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I'll come running to see you again</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Winter, spring, summer or fall</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">All you got to do is call</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And I'll be there</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Yes I will</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">You've got a friend</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">If the sky above you</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Grows dark and full of clouds</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And that old north wind begins to blow</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Keep your head together</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And call my name out loud</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">You just call out my name</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And you know wherever I am</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I'll come running to see you again</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Winter, spring, summer or fall</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">All you have to do is call</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And I'll be there</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">When people can be so cold</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">They'll hurt you and desert you</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And take your soul if you let them</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Oh, but don't you let them</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">You just call out my name</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And you know wherever I am</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I'll come running to see you again</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Winter, spring, summer or fall</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">All you have to do is call</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">And I'll be there</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">You’ve got a friend</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">God blessed me SO sweetly when he gave me each of you. &nbsp;I don’t know how we would have made it through without God’s sweet love shown through you guys….and your husbands. &nbsp;Thank you for loving us like you do. &nbsp;KNOW that we love you beyond all measure.</span>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-76860244799251969042015-06-14T15:25:00.001-07:002015-06-14T15:25:19.633-07:00Birthday FairiesWrote this story for Avery Grace - a friend invited me to a writer's workshop with her and you have to bring an original short story with you to read to the class. &nbsp;I wrote the story....but have never had the guts to take it to the workshop:<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Birthday Fairies</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">It was that time of day when magic happens. &nbsp;The moon was just beginning to cast her yellow glow into the evening sky and the cicadas sang the last notes of their sweet songs for the night. &nbsp;The stars were just beginning to wink in the navy skies. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Avery was perched on the rocking chair by her window, gazing intently between the branches of the mighty oak tree that grew in her front yard. &nbsp;She hoped to see tiny lights peeking through the leaves. Where were they? &nbsp;Had they forgotten that it's August? &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Avery Grace?" momma sang from the kitchen. &nbsp;"Have you brushed your teeth? &nbsp;It's time for bed honey. &nbsp;Daddy's on his way to read your bedtime story, so hurry and get your pj's on and get those teeth brushed!"&nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Avery climbed down from the big old chair and hurried to the bathroom. &nbsp;She loved when daddy read her stories at bedtime. &nbsp;He would tell her great tales about kings and castles and princesses. &nbsp;She loved to hear his voice go up and down, &nbsp;loud and soft as he told her tales of Once Upon a Time. Daddy always made the books come alive and Avery could imagine herself running through a forest path or up the staircase of a beautiful castle on a hill. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Avery brushed her teeth and hurried to her bedroom. &nbsp;She grabbed Teddy Bunny, &nbsp;dove into her bed and pulled the covers high over her head. &nbsp;She giggled in anticipation as she heard her daddy's footsteps.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Avery Grace? &nbsp;Where are you?" said Avery's daddy as he entered the room. &nbsp;He picked up a pillow in the corner. &nbsp;"Nope, she's not under there!" he said in a low pitched, bear-like voice. He walked over to the closet and peeked inside. &nbsp;"Nope, not in here" he said in his funny, squeaky voice. &nbsp;"Hum, I can't find my Avery at all!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"HERE I am!" &nbsp;Avery yelled as she threw off the covers. &nbsp;"I am ready for my story daddy!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">As daddy snuggled down beside her she pulled teddy bunny close. &nbsp;"Tonight can you tell the story about the birthday fairies daddy? &nbsp;I have been looking for them but I think they have forgotten!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Okay Avery. &nbsp;I will tell you all about the birthday fairies!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Once upon a time there was a little girl" her daddy began.&nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"And her name was Avery Grace!" said Avery "and she had big brown eyes JUST like me!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Yes" said daddy as he continued his story, "Avery's momma and daddy prayed for many years and asked God to send them a little girl. &nbsp;They both dreamed of a baby girl, &nbsp;and what she might look like...what she might be like. &nbsp;God heard their prayers and very soon, a little baby began to grow in mommy's tummy"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"That was ME!" said Avery with a big grin.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Yes, dear one, that was YOU" said daddy with the sweetest sound in his voice. &nbsp;"We started getting a room ready for our new little baby. &nbsp;We painted her room..."</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Periwinkle blue" Avery added.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Yes, the softest blue. &nbsp;&nbsp;We bought a white crib at a little consignment store in town - and we found a beautiful blue rocking chair that fit just perfectly in the corner of your room...by the window. &nbsp;We dreamed of how we would rock our baby girl in our arms, reading her books and telling her stories."</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"and NOW the birthday fairies daddy?" said Avery, her brown eyes flashing.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"One evening, right before your birth, your mom was sitting in the old blue rocker watching me as i put the finishing touches on the toy box i made for you." &nbsp;Daddy turned to look at Avery and smiled as he saw the joy written all over her face. &nbsp;"Your momma looked out the window and her eyes flew open wide. &nbsp;"Shawn, come here!" she cried. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"As they stared out the window into the dark August night, hundreds of tiny lights flew in and out of the branches of the old oak tree." &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Shawn, can you believe this? &nbsp;How many fireflies do you see? &nbsp;It seems like hundreds!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"We both stared for the longest time in awe of what we were seeing" said Avery's daddy. &nbsp;"The tree out front seemed to be alive with the light of the fireflies"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Then I told your mommy i thought the tiny lights were birthday fairies and that God had sent them to announce the birth of our baby girl" Daddy said with a smile.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"But daddy i think they have forgotten my birthday this year. &nbsp;My birthday is in FIVE days. &nbsp;I have been looking for them since dinner and i haven't seen ONE" Avery whispered with the saddest little voice. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Let's go to the window and look now Avery Grace. &nbsp;It's later and darker outside now. &nbsp;Sometimes, when there's still a little light from the sun peeking through, it's hard to see them. But when God pushes the sun to the other side of the earth and the skies turn dark, their little lights shine brighter "</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Daddy gathered Avery up in his arms and held her tightly as they both gazed out into the dark night. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"LOOK! " cried Avery. &nbsp;"I SEE them! &nbsp;I see the birthday fairies! &nbsp;They DID'NT forget my birthday!"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Avery and her daddy stared for a long time and watched as the birthday fairies danced around the leaves of the tree. &nbsp;Little lights twinkled on and off, on and off. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">"Daddy, they are dancing! &nbsp;They are blinking on and off and dancing a birthday dance for me!" Avery said with a grin. &nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">After a long while, Avery's daddy lifted her into bed and tucked her in tightly. &nbsp;She bowed her head and began her prayer "Dear God, thank You for my family. &nbsp;Thank you for my momma and my daddy. Thank you for my friends and teddy bunny. &nbsp;Thank you for the birthday fairies in the tree by my window. &nbsp;Thank you for loving me. &nbsp;I love you with all my heart. &nbsp;Amen"</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Before your bedtime prayers tonight, look into the dark night sky and you too might just see birthday fairies dancing in the moonlight!</span>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-75352713731456217752015-06-14T15:12:00.001-07:002015-06-14T15:15:08.957-07:00More stormy emails<span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">An update BEFORE the iodine:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Happy SUNNY June 1st !</span><br /><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Just wanted to give everyone a quick update. &nbsp;Michael is doing AWESOME. &nbsp;Tomorrow begins week 3 without thyroid medication - to date, he hasn’t really had the horrible side effects the doctors warned us about. &nbsp;He does tire easily - but emotionally he’s doing great and &nbsp;he’s pressing on with his walking to keep moving forward with his strength. &nbsp;We prayed things would go smoothly and they have! &nbsp;Thank you Lord! &nbsp;</div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We have an appointment on Monday, the 8th, to have another swallow test. &nbsp;He’s doing amazingly well with that we THINK. &nbsp;We won’t know for sure until we get that test, but after our last meeting with the speech therapist, who urged him to practice swallowing, he’s been having a morning cup of coffee and lots of popsicles! &nbsp;A few weeks ago, when he took a drink, he coughed afterwards much of the time - but now, he doesn’t cough at all. &nbsp;We are hoping and praying that’s a GOOD sign and that everything is going exactly where it needs to go. &nbsp;We will also get a blood test that day to see if his thyroid levels are good and if they are, they will give him the radioactive iodine soon and our prayer is that it will go to every single bad cell that might still be in his body and that it will kill those cells - every single one of them! &nbsp;Please pray God’s hand in this AND for HIS guidance afterwards as we make decisions on beam radiation. &nbsp;Still so many decisions to be made! &nbsp;We need wisdom for those decisions. &nbsp;</div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">His voice is still just a whisper. &nbsp;He’s doing exercises he was given to help those vocal chords work again. &nbsp;We were told at our last meeting that his “false vocals” are doing all the work, but the speech therapist will be working to get his good vocal chord taking over soon.</div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Thank you so much for prayers. &nbsp;When i look back, and see how far we have come, i am just amazed. &nbsp;Only God could have carried us through all this and we give Him all the honor and glory. &nbsp;</div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Your prayers mean the world to us. &nbsp;Thank you for loving us and lifting us up in prayer. &nbsp;We love you!</div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jeremiah 17:14</span><br /><span class="" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. (NIV)</span></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And then after it:</span></span></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Just wanted to update you on Corley &nbsp;(aka Papa) -&nbsp;</span><br /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">He had his radioactive iodine on Friday morning. &nbsp;No side effects to speak of. &nbsp;I will say though that on the Thursday before his treatment he was super tired….a little agitated and thinking that the symptoms were from anxiety about the iodine treatment but mostly from not having his thyroid meds for 3+ weeks. &nbsp;I just thought to myself how God kept those horrible symptoms away from him for nearly 3 weeks and they only reared their ugly heads the day before treatment! &nbsp;The picture the docs painted was so grim for the entire 3 weeks he was off the meds! &nbsp;He was almost giddy for most of that time (not the depression they anticipated). &nbsp;Friday he was good - yesterday not so good. &nbsp;But just tired, not sleeping well and achy all over. &nbsp;Today he’s better. &nbsp;It’s been really strange this life of living in the same house but in separate beds, separate rooms, paper plates and plastic utinsils - i have to stay 6 ft away from him at all times - he has to shower many times a day per the nuclear doc’s instructions. &nbsp;All the radiation will seep out of his pores. &nbsp;That doc told him that most of the radiation would be gone in 48 hours. &nbsp;We are being cautious though and keeping the separate living quarters for five days - and seven for pets and children. &nbsp;Come Friday at 11:30 though, he’s a FREE MAN! &nbsp;We are SO ready to have our lives back - so ready for normal. This storm started March 18th….We are looking forward to hopefully calm waters ahead. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">As i have said in past emails….storms are not all bad. &nbsp;Through this storm, i can’t tell you how much we have grown in our faith - so thankful God didn’t leave us where we were in our faith! &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I told Michael i want to build an altar and name it “we are so thankful” - so that we will never ever forget God’s mercy and His grace in this storm. &nbsp;Around every turn, God has blessed us beyond measure. We are closer to each other….closer to Him and we are closer to friends and family that we love so much. &nbsp;</span><br /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Love you BIG….thank you for continued prayers that this treatment will kill any cancerous cell left in his body. &nbsp;We look forward to seeing you guys…doing life with you again! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: red;">and this is the answer from Sherrie Kulwicki:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Couple of things:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Seeing light - radioactive and 'at the end of the tunnel.' &nbsp;ha</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">3 months - from death (fearing what could have been the worst) to life (God's resurrecting MC to health)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Making an altar - I had some friends who were in business (I think it was a dairy) with their best friends and for some reason things fell apart and their friends betrayed them. &nbsp;It cost my friends a ton of money. &nbsp;But they determined to never falter in their faith and put an 'altar' to the Lord on their kitchen window sill. &nbsp;It was a milk carton. &nbsp;I thought that was the sweetest thing. You need to find something that totally speaks to your journey. &nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Truly love the witness you and MC have been!! &nbsp;SO proud to be your friend. &nbsp;Looking forward to life together.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: red;">My reply to Sherrie:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I really do think i will make an altar - i don’t want either of us to forget this journey…..i just feel the journey was to draw us both closer to HIM……and i pray every single day the prayer “bless us indeed, Please keep Your hands upon us and keep us from evil - and please increase our territory” - He increased our territory in this too….we had people praying for us that we didn’t even KNOW…..and i DO believe many hearts have softened through this....many that we are praying for to receive Christ, that we are praying will &nbsp;come to know Him as their Savior. &nbsp;This journey meant something….not only to us, but to others. &nbsp; I don’t want us to forget the despair….the prayers soaked with tears…..i want to REMEMBER. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br class="" /></span></div><div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Love you and can’t wait to DO LIFE with you guys again!!!!! &nbsp;Praying now the cancer is GONE for good and that his voice will return. &nbsp;God’s mercy and grace has showered us through this entire things….praying for those desires of our hearts to be granted too. Giving HIM all the glory for ALL He has done!</span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: red;">And here's another from me to a friend, Doris:</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">God has just blessed us BIG time through all this…..we are amazed!! &nbsp;And it’s those sweet prayers from our precious friends that keeps us before the throne. &nbsp;We are SO looking forward to NORMAL!!!! Even the smallest things….we just take for granted every single day. &nbsp;Cheese….oh my goodness CHEESE. &nbsp;He’s been on this low iodine diet and can’t have dairy….well, for breakfast he’s been having omelets (no yolks tho….only the whites per the iodine diet) and what the heck is an omelet without cheese? &nbsp;I have gotten very creative in my cooking =) &nbsp;But today, at 11:30 (oh and he informed me of this EARLY this morning) it’s been 48 hours and he can have ANYthing he wants to eat…..so lunch time came and i made pulled pork soft tacos (with left over pulled pork) and i just loaded that sucker up with cheese =) &nbsp;Thanking the Lord all the time for CHEESE!!! &nbsp;To be able to go out to a restaurant and EAT….oh my goodness it will be SO nice. &nbsp;And when his voice comes back, it will be even better! &nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: red;">And this from Annette (thanks for reminding me to document!)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This is so good to read...hope you are keeping all these writings...you should really do a blog! &nbsp;&nbsp;I am so thankful that things have gone as smoothly as they have for Michael...and I could certainly understand if part of his feeling bad on Thursday was from anxiety...this is all so much and the radioactive iodine has unfolded to be so much more than I had imagined. &nbsp;As you say, Friday at 11:30 will be another point of celebration. &nbsp;Praying for you both as you get &nbsp;there, love you, Annette:-)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I didn't document each and every email....oh how i wish i had - As i said in one of the replies.....i never want to forget....God's mercy and His grace met us at every turn.....We give Him ALL the glory!!!!</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-62170176043415237622015-05-25T16:18:00.001-07:002015-05-25T16:19:24.493-07:00thoughts todayHe calls me many names....through the years of our lives together, he has had many names for me...."lou" is the most common.....and it's special to me because of it's familiarity - "momma" is another one....and that came about with the boys - and at the same time he was given the name "daddy" - and as the boys grew to be men, Chase shortened that to "D" - i think the most precious name to me is the name he gave me when we were first married.....he called me his "woman child" - Gosh, i love that. &nbsp;I think because it fits me.....it's what i FEEL inside....part woman - but still so much &nbsp;a child. &nbsp;I love being your "woman child" Michael Lane Corley.....cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-419461486709909936.post-37259150940150450712015-05-15T13:06:00.000-07:002015-05-15T13:06:30.457-07:00emails during and after surgeryi found a bunch of emails i sent during and after Michael's surgery....wanted to remember them.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I've been in with Michael since 6:15.....he's more awake.....in pain, but they are working on it. &nbsp;When I saw him, I told him the good news....I said "God was so precious to us Michael.....Dr Truelson got all the cancer"....tears rolled down his cheeks...."and no trach, no opening of the chest..you will be able to breathe, talk and eat on your own....." More tears.....then he whispered "tell me again!"......although he is in pain, blood sugar is up because of steroids and they are giving him insulin temporarily for that.....he is GREAT! &nbsp;Please continue to pray for healing.....this resection needs good blood flow to heal correctly. &nbsp;Love you guys and can't thank you enough for all the prayers! &nbsp;Love you to the moon and back!!!!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Michael is doing really good this evening.....with one thing tho that we are asking prayer for.....his heart rate is elevated. &nbsp;They think it can be taken care of by raising one of his meds.....but sure would appreciate prayers.....asking The Lord to guide them as they figure it out. &nbsp;It's at times really high and they are working on getting it down.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Thank you guys so much! &nbsp;Need his heart in tip top shape!!!!!!</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Today is rough.....heart rate is up, blood pressure is up.....he feels awful......just sleepy and no energy. &nbsp;He's not cracking any jokes so I know he feels awful. &nbsp;He has tubes down his throat with tons of drainage and they told him not to cough....puts a strain on the surgery....but sometimes he said it feels like he's drowning.....and he coughs huge. &nbsp;Scares me so bad. &nbsp;Hate seeing him like this :(. Say prayers.....huge ones. &nbsp;God gave us such a miracle with his surgery. &nbsp;Praying now He leads us thru recovery! &nbsp;Love u ❤️</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div><blockquote style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" type="cite"><span style="color: black;">I'm so sorry I haven't been better about updating.....it's crazy here.....we have so many docs involved and they are in all the time....nurses doing stuff....then helping Michael with stuff....and nights are crazy! &nbsp;All that said, there's not a lot of down time. &nbsp;But right this minute I have a couple of minutes (I think). &nbsp;</span></blockquote><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We have our ups and downs.....he's doing better each day tho. &nbsp;Problems seem to arise tho....heart rate and BP have been a problem....they are adjusting meds to try and correct that. &nbsp;He's vowed to sit up most of the day.....he doesn't cough as much when sitting up. &nbsp;He's already walked a lap this morning and will be walking a few more today. &nbsp;We have quite a bit of swelling...but thinking walking will help that too. &nbsp;There was a thing they found on his lung....a small collapse but doc said not concerned....it should correct itself with time and exercise. &nbsp;They usually use those things you blow in, but Michael can't do that....so we have to depend on exercise. &nbsp;So much he can't do because of the kind of operation he had. &nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Prayer requests are that his congestion and cough would get so much better....nights are a bear. &nbsp;When he's in bed....coughing is bad....and the told him not to cough! &nbsp;Pray that his body, his heart rate, BP will get to normal....swelling will go down. &nbsp;Pray for his spirit to soar......that he will be encouraged each day with little steps forward. &nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">So many of you have asked about visiting...he's just not up to visitors right now. &nbsp;He's got drains and tubes everywhere.....he can't talk....they've told him not to as much as he can keep from it....his voice is only a whisper because of the loss of the vocal nerve. &nbsp;It will get better with a speech therapist, but right now he's suppose to keep quiet and when people are here, he feels awkward not b ing able to visit.....and give you a hard time! Our kids have been SO awesome.....they bring snacks, hairdryers, and such.....they come each day......just for short time.....to be sure we are ok.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Love you all so much. &nbsp;Thank you for loving us....for covering us in prayer. &nbsp;God has this! &nbsp;So glad He put sweet friends and family on the journey beside us.....to pray, to encourage, to walk with us. &nbsp;Can't tell you how much we love you! &nbsp;You are precious gifts in our lives!!!!!!!!</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Love, Michael and Cindy</div></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;Soooooo, last night was awful. &nbsp;Could really only see discouragement on his face.....so sad. &nbsp;Today, Chase came to stay with him and I went home....showered....checked the house and mail.....got outside in this beautiful day....Chase walked "the loop" with Michael twice....they did an ex ray to check for fluid on his lungs.....he's really SO congested....coughing a lot and they don't want him to cough but he just can't help it....we don't know results yet.....but he's been sitting in the chair all day long.....hasn't been in bed once. &nbsp;I gave him a "bath", a " shampoo " .....clean jammies and he's a new man! &nbsp;He told me today, for the very first time, he can see that light at the end of this tunnel. &nbsp;I know tonight will probably be hard....he coughs bad when he's in bed......they give him steroids and he's wired....eyes wide open....can't sleep,,,,but tomorrow will be just a bit better than today! &nbsp;Thank you so so much for prayers. Pray it's not fluid in his lung. &nbsp;He does have one lung that's collapsed a bit but they said it will heal .....as the body heals. &nbsp;Pray his heart rate and blood pressure stay down (they checked it a minute ago and both were awesome! ).....pray for the recovery and the plan that's coming up to be the one that totally for sure without a doubt gets rid of any bad cells in his body! &nbsp;Love you and so blessed to have our cheerleaders encouraging us, sending texts, phone calls, keeping our dog, getting mail, watching the house, and for the precious prayers you continue to lift for us! &nbsp;So many have asked to bring food....to visit...to run errands. &nbsp;We are blown away!!!!! This horrible storm has brought us closer to our Lord and Savior.....our sweet and precious kids have just gathered round and showered us with encouragement and love.....they have cancelled plans and just concentrated on nothing but us.....we are so blessed to have those 3 looking after us! &nbsp;(And the grands are the icing on the cake :). We found out what a little bulldog Angie is.....she's not one you want to mess with if u r dealing with her family! &nbsp;And our family of friends.....oh my goodness.....we are overwhelmed. &nbsp;All the prayers.....can't imagine the number of prayers and from some people that don't even know us! &nbsp;The prayer warriors at home praying the day of his surgery.....the prayer warriors that took off work, gave up their entire day to stand with us that day and night....we are just can't thank each of you enough.....I can only say that if any of you ever have a need, we will be there for you! &nbsp;Yes, I am long and drawn out in my writing.....I'm an emotional wreck.....but I'm just basking in the sweetness God has given us...precious gifts. &nbsp;We thank Him for each one! &nbsp;❤️ you! &nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">So today.....here's our prayer request.....that tomorrow he can swallow.....that the surgery Dr T did will not fall apart....sometimes it can....he said after day 7, rarely does it happen....pray it all holds together. &nbsp;Pray for fluids to settle down. &nbsp;He's getting tube feedings but they r pumping fluids like crazy. &nbsp;He's 10 pounds heavier today :(. Not in the lungs tho thank the Lord! &nbsp;But he's so tired (plus we got no sleep last night....they were in the room SO many times) and carrying around 10 extra pounds is hard period.....but after major surgery, it's awful. &nbsp;Pray also that coughing will subside. &nbsp;Feeding tube will come out tomorrow if he can swallow. &nbsp;Oh my, how he would love that thing out of his nose!!!!! &nbsp;Because of the damaged nerve, swallowing could be a problem. &nbsp;We are praying so hard it's not! &nbsp;Lots of requests....but we know God will be glorified thru it all and we know our sweet family and friends are keeping us lifted up to The Great Physician! &nbsp;Love you BIG ❤️❤️</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Oh my goodness....what a difference a day makes!!!!! &nbsp;What a difference prayer makes! &nbsp;We got awesome sleep last night.....Michael was up at 4 though in anticipation of doc taking something out....the feeding tube thru the nose being the main thing! &nbsp;He has fought that thing and fought that thing....today when doc T came in he said I'm ready to get this thing outta here......doc T said let me get some scissors.....he came back, as he was clipping the stitches in his nose, he's saying "this is kind of uncomfortable coming out.....just no way around it....I'm fighting to get out of the bed (papa was sitting in the chair) so I wouldn't have to see it and he ripped that sucker out quicker than quick. &nbsp;THEN he got him water and explained how to turn his head....water went down wrong way. &nbsp;Doc T said just practice....once he heals better he thinks he will be ok....he's going to have speech work with him, do a test.....if he still can't, they will do a barium test? Anyway, the tube in the nose is gone!!!!!! &nbsp;Today is SO much better😝. We just walked a lap....we are adding a lap today so we will do six! &nbsp;Pray now that as his throat adjusts to that yucky tube being gone....that he will be able to swallow. &nbsp;We knew it would be difficult because of the nerve damage.....but we are praying that he will soon be able to do it. &nbsp;Also praying that he can get rid of the congestion.....it's causing shortness of breath when we walk. &nbsp;Love u so.....we just can't imagine walking this road without you....prayer warriors we can't thank enough!!!!! &nbsp;Love you BIG!!!!! &nbsp;❤️😘</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Here I am with another prayer request......Michael is doing better but we still have bumps in the road...today he didn't pass the swallowing test given in radiology. &nbsp;They think after all the swelling goes down, after congestion has cleared....the speech team believes he will be speaking and will be swallowing....but they won't clear us to leave without some way to get nutrition and his meds to him. &nbsp;So in the morning he will have a g tube placed in his stomach. &nbsp;Please pray all goes well with this surgery.....that his congestion will not cause problems.....and that soon Michael will be able to swallow. &nbsp;Lots going on .....love you guys. Thank you for prayers!!! We love you and miss you! &nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Surgery went well this morning. He's doing good.....wants to sit in the chair but Linet suggested resting a while before trying that. &nbsp;He's in no pain at all....just got some pain meds so he can rest,...but he's wide awake! &nbsp;Been joking with everyone since they brought him in here! &nbsp;He's doing good.....it just this button on his stomach with a small tube coming out. &nbsp;But they won't start using it until tomorrow. &nbsp;Thank u guys for prayers. Just praying he only has to have it a short time. &nbsp;They will train me on it probably Saturday. &nbsp;Not sure when we are going home.....hopefully soon. &nbsp;Love you BIG!!!!!<br /><br />P.s, &nbsp;Michael is my hero.....thru every part of this....from diagnosis to all the doc appts....to being poked and prodded from every direction, to the scary things we heard COULD happen.....he's never complained.....never not once. &nbsp;So proud of him. &nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Here’s the latest:<br /><br />We met with the speech therapist today. &nbsp;She gave Michael new exercises to do, ordered another swallowing test and gave us lots of GREAT information. &nbsp;I will say this - i can’t say enough about UT Southwestern. &nbsp;Everyone is connected and all know before our appointments about Michael, his surgery, treatment plans - everything! &nbsp;&nbsp;VERY organized and so thorough. &nbsp;The speech therapist said that voice and swallow recovery can sometimes takes months - not that it has to….but that it’s very common. &nbsp;Michael is doing everything he has been asked to do - He’s VERY motivated to get that voice and swallow back. &nbsp;We would continue to ask for prayer regarding this.<br /><br />Another prayer request is that we will KNOW what plan of action to take moving forward. &nbsp;All the Doctors met on Friday and it seems all are in agreement that in about 5 weeks they will give Michael radioactive iodine and then do a scan afterwards to see what lights up. &nbsp;(he has to be off his thyroid meds for three weeks prior and we have been told it’s not going to be fun….that he will be overwhelmingly tired, moody and depressed - please pray for this time to pass quickly and for Michael to do well) &nbsp;We are HOPING and PRAYING that ALL remaining thyroid cancer lights up big time and soaks up all that iodine and is COMPLETELY GONE from his body. &nbsp;But this is where the doctors are not in agreement. &nbsp;The surgeon wants radiation and the endocrine doctor doesn’t. &nbsp;We were told today by the speech therapist that radiation can actually make the swallowing harder - it can cause great harm. &nbsp;It can harm those muscles and could make it even harder to get that swallow back. &nbsp;The surgeon is afraid not to do radiation. &nbsp;The endocrine thinks the radioactive iodine will take care of it. &nbsp;Please pray for us….that we will KNOW the right plan for Michael moving forward.<br /><br />You guys are so precious to us. &nbsp;Thank you for your prayers, the cards, the emails, the texts and the sweet things you have all done for us during this ordeal. &nbsp;We couldn’t make this journey without you!<br /><br />Love you BIG,<br />cindy and Michael</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This one right after we talked to the doctor:</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><div class="calculating_inner">Excellent report. &nbsp;Got all the tumor. No tracheostomy. &nbsp;It is aggressive so they will do radiation. &nbsp;Did not take lymph nodes or parathyroid because they looked fine.&nbsp;</div><div class="calculating_inner"><br /></div><div class="calculating_inner">Does have a feeding tube for a while. &nbsp;May have a little problem with swallowing and speech may be a little different. &nbsp;We will take that!</div><div class="calculating_inner"><br /></div><div class="calculating_inner">We are giving God all the glory. &nbsp;Thank you so much for praying. &nbsp;Please pray him through recovery!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These are just a few of the updates i sent during Michael's surgery and recovery.......</div><div><br /></div><div>Giving God ALL the glory - praying his complete recovery will be soon!</div></div><blockquote style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" type="cite"><blockquote type="cite"></blockquote></blockquote>cindylouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396430473934597048noreply@blogger.com0